Child with huge lump on back gets surgery with GMA Kapuso Foundation’s help

A child who couldn’t sit, walk, nor stand due to a huge lump on her back had received surgery with the help of GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to a “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, Qwinzy Bangalan of Ballesteros, Cagayan, was scheduled to undergo the procedure in 2020. However, it was postponed when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

In 2021, she was found to have spina bifida, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described as a condition that affected the spine.

“Nakita nila na hindi siya bukol. Nakita na may koneksyon ’yung spinal cord doon sa mass na medyo ang laman niya ay fluid,” said pediatric surgeon Dr. Marcus Lester Suntay.

On Aug. 11, Qwinzy finally received treatment at Philippine Children’s Medical Center. The spinal fluid on her back that weighed 1.5 kg was removed.

Months after the surgery, Qwinzy can now sit and play.

“Dati po, may mabigat po ako na bukol. Ngayon, magaan na po ang pakiramdam ko,” she said.

GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, Shopee, GCash, PayMaya, Zalora, Mega Mart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News