Michael’s Medical Needs

MICHAEL ANGELO ‘’Kyle’’ CORTEZ VINARAO

Kyle is a good and fun-loving father to two young daughters aged 5 and 7, and a devoted husband to his wife now 6 months heavy with a child ( ultrasound tests show it’s a boy- -Kyle’s big dream!). They live in an informal settlement area. Within Kyle’s small extended family, he is a well- liked nephew, cousin, uncle, and only son to an elderly mother. Kyle is the sole bread-winner for the family.

Kyle is known throughout his neighborhood and among his friends and colleagues as a truly warmhearted and helpful man, He does not complain no matter how tired he becomes. He is someone you can call ‘’a man for others “ and so easily loved by all.

Four years ago, Kyle started working as a computer programmer encoder in a skills-training center. He is a very determined hard worker who never leaves a task undone. Little wonder that, before long, the company entrusted to him more duties and bigger responsibilities. He cheerfully extends his working hours, rain or shine, even as he only receives below-minimum wage. No perks, no medical insurance, no other benefits.

Then came that unforgettable evening. As he and his wife were watching TV at home, Kyle suddenly fell ill. His right side of the body stiffened, his face twitched, his fixed gaze said it all-- a brain stroke! His blood pressure tremendously rose up, it seemed he was a goner. He was rushed to a Philippine Government Hospital near their place. The Hospital ER was really jampacked with different kinds of patients and no beds available even for the severe cases. The Hospital staff and doctors just let Kyle sit on a plastic monoblock chair while the staff and doctors attended to other patients who had come earlier. While waiting for his turn to be attended to, Kyle, though not complaining, was turning half-conscious, can’t even move his pinky fingers nor open his eyes, and his head had to be held up. After going through tremendous ordeal for more than 7 hours, hospital staff informed us that they do not have a medical equipment and Neurologist for his case. Friends and close relatives decided to transfer him to another nearby Hospital where equipments are more complete and a Neurologist would be available. At the Private Hospital’s ER, they kept reviving him till they know he can keep going. He is closely monitored in the hospital and undergoes continuous tests (CT Scans, angiogram, urinalysis, etc), medicines to fight infection, regulate his blood pressure, and stop the swelling of the brain.

Plagued by RUPTURED BRAIN ANEURYSM, Kyle continues to fight a raging battle to feel normal and whole again which may take weeks, months, a year or two. Just turned 31 years old, he could still go back somehow to a valuable life he loves, continue to serve the Lord, enjoy his children. How absolutely beautiful that would be, and that is possible with God’s grace and with the generous donation to his hospitalization, medications and rehabilitation.

Dear friends and readers, please be the channel of God to provide for Kyle’s needs. We appeal for your compassion, your charitable heart, your outpouring of love to someone who deeply needs your help.

-Khaled Al-Dosary (Michael’s cousin)