Saving the life of Baby Roco Iñigo

We humbly knock to your good hearts to add my son in your prayers and to ask if you can extend financial assistance to help us save our son's life. Please take time to read and understand my son’s situation.

My son Roco Iñigo B. Suarez (6 months old) was rushed to the hospital on September 6, 2020 due to Aspiration Pneumonia that caused him to lose oxygen and almost close to being unconscious. We were very lucky to immediately rush him to the hospital nearest our home for first aid and proper oxygen was given to him until we were able to transfer him to a hospital that has a complete facility.

He was born 2 weeks early which makes him a pre-mature baby. There were no signs of abnormalities whatsoever until he reached 6 weeks old. Signs of muscle weakness started to show from head to foot, he does very minimal movement to none at all. We consulted his Pediatrician and was advised to see a Neuro-Pedia Specialist as it might somehow be connected to a brain problem. We consulted a Neuro-Pedia and the initial diagnosis was a suspected Cerebral Palsy. But series of nerve and brain test procedures were done and results turned out all normal.

His doctor then requested that he take a SMN1 laboratory test that would confirm a possible Genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This condition is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration leading to muscular atrophy with progressive paralysis. It typically begins in infancy or childhood years and affects about 1 in 11,000 babies. Roco is unable to move, his muscles cannot support the basic functions of his body. Thus, making it very difficult for him to swallow or even breath normally which caused him to contract Pneumonia.

Roco was taken to Intensive Care Unit last night, Sept. 9 and is now in stable condition. He developed a complication which is Acidic blood and caused an increase of Carbon Dioxide in his body. If this was not controlled, we will definitely lose him. Right now, we are very thankful that we were able to save him from having a respiratory failure. I am grateful to all his Doctors and Nurses who were very much attentive with him. Treating his pneumonia is just the start of his life battle. Once he recovers, he will undergo more series of tests to see the real condition of his Hypotonic case.

If he turns out positive to have Spinal Muscular Atrophy, this is the cost.

“SMA Type 1 is a life-limiting condition. Though it is not possible to accurately predict, for the majority of children (approximately 95%) life expectancy is less than 18 months. In general babies diagnosed within the first few weeks or months of life have a significantly shorter life expectancy.”

When we 1st found out the possibility of this genetic condition, we lost hope. Because genetic illness does not have any cure. Miracle is the only thing that can help my child. But the new Neuro-Pedia and Geneticist of my son gave us hope with the help of Science. A cure for SMA is being developed outside the Philippines and with the help of his doctors and their connections, there is a possibility for Roco to be treated. We will be exhausting all options available to save my son’s life if it turns out that he is positive for SMA. His blood sample will be forwarded to UP Manila Tuesday Sept. 15 and will be sent to the US for Genetic Testing. His treatment will be depending on his test results.

The entire process, from curing his pneumonia to doing the series of tests until the results come out is not going to be easy. It is going to be not just mentally and emotionally challenging but financially as well.

Any amount will be a big help to raise the needed funds for all the procedures that is needed for my son and to cover the hospital bills that is way out of our financial capacity. He is currently on his 5th day admitted at The Medical City, Pasig and our running bill without Professional Fees and complete charges from the ICU yet has already reached a huge amount. There are still procedures that are scheduled which we expect will add more numbers to his current running bill.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read and understand my son’s current situation. We understand that everyone is facing a difficult time due to the current pandemic. Our request for financial assistance is completely voluntary and any amount will be of great help. Your prayers would also be more than enough.

For any financial assistance you may send it thru:

BPI Family Savings

BPI Bank Name: Roxanne Camille Bacosa

Bank Account: 7506 1069 28

GCASH Number: 09171141522

GCASH Name: Roxanne Camille Bacosa

Security Bank

Name: Rico Lozano Suarez

Account #: 0000037497215

Again, thank you for your continuous prayers and well wishes. God Bless you all!