The Fight of Pio

Prior to birth, it was known that Pio had spina bifida through the Congenital Anomaly Scan (CAS) done at 5 mons of gestation but the type can only be confirmed upon birth. At birth, Pio was diagnosed with spina bifida myelomeningocele also know as open spina bifida. He was only 35weeks AOG.

At day 2 of life he had to undergo his 1st surgery to close out the open spine as spinal fluid were already leaking. This was to prevent infection such as meningitis. At 1 month old, another operation was needed to place a shunt in his brain as his hydrocephalus worsen. This is an associated problem of his condition. At 3 months, craniectomy was performed to remove part of his skull. Due to his spina bifida, he was also diagnosed with Arnold Chiari II syndrome. To minimize the pressure on his cerebellum, the surgery had to be performed.

Pio survived all 3 surgeries and currently learning to develop his breathing, swallowing, and other basic skills. He still needs a canulla to help him breathe. He has trouble doing his bowel movement especially if he exerts force. He does not produce any sound when he cries. He already experienced several episodes of cardiac arrest due to his difficulty in breathing. He had to be intubated several times already and battled at least 3 rounds of pnuemonia. Pio also had 4 cutdown operaions since his veins were so thin they cannot find any periferal veins to inject his medicines.

But he is still fighting to live. Currently, he is in the pedia ward instead of a private room so that nurses can easily check on him especially if he has difficulty in his breathing or bowel movement. The family continues to give what they can for the little angel to survive and live.

We ask for your help to supplement his medical cost. At the moment, they are already at P1.8M and this does not include the professional fees of all the surgeries and attending doctors they had for him yet.

Name: Pio Xander Mari Jalandoni Garcia

Parents: Warren Garcia and Peaches Jalandoni-Garcia