Maree fund – A 2nd chance in life

My name is Raine Sarmiento from the Philippines. The mother of a beautiful 18yr old, my only child Maree - my baby - who has been through a lot but despite everything, her smile shines the brightest.

At a tender age of 6, she had already undergone her 1st surgery - Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair (link below). Her 2nd surgery was just last year (Oct 2019) for Bilateral Salpingo-Ophorectomy. And now, she needs to undergo another life-saving surgery.

On 30th of November 2019, she was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. Due to its rarity, genetic history could not be determined and the prognosis after extensive (and expensive) treatment remains poor. There is also no standard protocol being used to treat them.

Chemotherapy and radiation are used to help make the tumors small enough to undergo CRS-HIPEC surgery. A procedure that is still in its infancy here in the Philippines. Aside from that, CRS-HIPEC here has not been performed in DSRCT yet. With that being said, her Pedia-Oncologist wants us to do the surgery where DSRCT is being studied continuously and extensively -- that is in the USA.

After days of researching, inquiring with hospitals, and prayers, I found hope in Dr. Andrea Hayes-Jordan, a doctor in UNC Medical Center who specializes in treating DSRCT. She's world-renowned in pioneering the procedure for patients with DSRCT. Survival rate for DSRCT jumped from 15% to 60%-70% through her.

I've already contacted Dr. Hayes-Jordan and my daughter's papers are already on her way to her for proper evaluation. Dr. Hayes-Jordan and her wonderful team has been coordinating with me. They made me feel that my daughter will be in good hands. They have sent me an estimate cost of the surgery amounting to Usd110,241.00, a cost that is definitely out of my reach.

As a single mother, I would go on lengths for my daughter to have another chance in life. I want to see her smile again. I want to see her grow up to be a beautiful woman, pursue her life, raise a family. I want to add more years in her life. But I cannot do it alone.

12 years has passed since her successful heart surgery through donations especially prayers and here I am again, knocking on your hearts. I hope and I pray that the Lord will touch yours to be a part in saving my daughter's life...for the 2nd time.

There are some people who are not comfortable using their card and wishes to donate directly. You may find my bank details in the blog link below.

Thank you with all my heart.

Visit:
Maree's heart surgery. Updated recently with current condition.