Around GMA

Article Inside Page

The Clash Season 1 alumna Mirriam Manalo is asking for financial support to help raise funds for the medical expenses of her six-month-old daughter.

In a Facebook post, Mirriam said that her daughter, Lilah Emilia, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

It was the same condition that took the life of Mirriam's firstborn, Layla Elleina, in October 2019.

Layla was only eight months old when she succumbed to the illness.

“Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic (inherited) neuromuscular disease that causes muscles to become weak and waste away. People with SMA lose a specific type of nerve cell in the spinal cord that control muscle movement,” Mirriam explained in her post.

“Without these motor neurons, muscles don't receive nerve signals that make muscles move. The word atrophy is a medical term that means smaller. With SMA, certain muscles become smaller and weaker due to lack of use.”

Infants with SMA Type 1 have a hard time swallowing and sucking thus affecting their ability to consume milk and food.

They are also susceptible to respiratory infections and collapsed lungs and at risk of dying before their second birthday.

“I am knocking at everyone's heart to please include my daughter “Lilah” to your prayers that she may receive immediate treatment,” Mirriam said.

“There are few treatments to this illness such as; Sprinraza, Zolgensma, and Evrysdi, which unfortunately cost millions of dollars, also not available in our country Philippines.”

“But as a Mother I will do everything to make it possible for my daughter to live, I already lost one and I don't wanna lose another one. I trust and believe that God will do His miracle.”

“My heart is broken into pieces, but I will keep my feet strong for my daughter.

“I am hoping that maybe you could help me with this fundraising and help “Lilah” to survive.”

Those who want to extend financial assistance can deposit money at Eastwest Bank account number 200045230898 under Miriam Mae N. Manalo's name, or through GCash at 0945 473 1594.

Read Mirriam's post in full here:

Mirriam rose to fame when she became a finalist of the first season of The Clash alongside Anthony Rosaldo, Garrett Bolden, Josh Adornado, Jong Madaliday, and eventual winner Golden Cañedo.