Pio Benedict’s Journey to Life, help us bring him HOME. ♥

Good Day to all of you. I am writing this message because for my nephew Pio Benedict. Please allow me to share with you the story of our little angel. 7 months ago my sister gave birth to an extremely premature baby (25 weeks) due to premature rupture membrane (in lay man's term loss or amiotic fluid) thus resulting in infection. From the time of birth, (June 10,2015 up to present) he is still at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in St. Luke's Quezon City. Due to extremely low birthweight and high risk of infection he has gone thru a lot of procedures starting from;

A.) Bronchropulmonary Dysplasia (BPD Lungs) wherein he had to be intubated for several months (its a mechanical ventilator that helps him to breath)

B.) Retinopathy of Prematurity or ROP ( Eyes) -at 38 weeks, baby Benedict underwent laser surgery for his both eyes.

C.) Chronic Periventricular Leukomalacia (Brain) - baby Benedict's doctors ordered for a cranial ultrasound to check his brain,and found out that there are some abnormal activities. His neurologist (Brain Specialist) said that he saw some cysts in his brain and might cause seizure and might lead to Cerebral Pulsy.

D.) Hernia - is actually a minor problem that most premature babies goes thru.

E.) Stiffness of Extremities (Musclular System) - due to prematurity and because of a long term of being intubated (mechanical ventilator), baby Benedict wasnt able to move freely thus the need for therapy.

F.) Patent Ductus Arteriosus or PDA (Heart) - at the age of 6mos baby Benedict had undergone a major surgery on his heart. Doctors have to clip the arteries of his heart.

G.) Bowel Obstruction (Intestines) 7 days after his heart surgery, Benedict had undergone another major surgery due to malrotation of his intestines, appendix was on the left side of the abdomen which is supposed on the right and his doctor also removed his hernia in one procedure.

Now at 7 mos. Baby Benedict is now recovering from all the procedures he underwent. He is now extubated from the mechanical ventilator but still on oxygen, and now he is on his way to recovery but no definite date for his discharge.

Our main concern is with the financial side. Medical Bill has gone up to 9Million (without Doctor's Professional Fee) and still running. We have seeked helped from different Gov't Agencies (PCSO) and other Gov't Officials. We were able to pay 3/4 of the bill and still lacking 2Million to this date. Me and my family are appealing for your generosity to help us raise more funds. Any amount coming from your generous hearts will be very much appreciated. We are thanking you in advance for the good deeds that you have given us. Thank you for taking the time to read this message and God Bless You always.

Sincerely Yours,

Frances Ann Gonzales