Ylona’s Medical Fund

The moment Ylona was born last February 11, 2018, she has been nothing but our family’s source of joy. She is a happy baby; very generous with her smile and delightful coos.

At 4 months old, she began having heavy vaginal bleeding. We immediately seeked medical attention and she was diagnosed and treated for “minipuberty”. At that time, the bleeding was abated.

About 2 weeks ago though, we noticed that she has lost her appetite and were alarmed to feel protrusions on her lower abdomen. A series of tests were performed and they found out that her kidney is impaired. She was diagnosed with hydronephrosis (urine-filled dilation of the renal pelvis and/or calyces due to obstruction). They had to insert a catheter to help her with renal functions.

After making sure her kidney is stable, the doctors were able to do a scan. A large, slightly heterogeneous soft tissue mass is noted in her lower right abdomen. A smaller similar mass is noted in her left iliac region. These are highly suspicious of bilateral ovarian tumours. Moreover, her uterus is enlarged and her central endometrial echo is thickened. Appearance is compatible with history of precocious puberty.

After performing a biopsy, the doctors gave a diagnosis. It is Neuroblastoma, a cancer of immature nerve cells that most often occurs in infants and young children. The next course of action is for her to undergo chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumour and make surgically removing it an option.

At this time, we know that it will not be an easy journey for Ylona but we are praying with wounded but optimistic hearts. Through this ordeal, she has been our brave little fighter. We want to give her every possible chance to overcome her condition but the cost of her treatment is getting higher than our financial capacity. We are asking for your prayers and your help to fund her medical treatment so that it may be done as swiftly and efficiently as possible. She is only a year old with her future uncertain. Please, please, please help us to give her the best opportunity to win this battle.