OFW mother seeks help for her son who suffers from a skin condition that causes wounds all over his body

A 14-year-old boy from Tobias Fornier, Antique has been suffering from a skin condition that leaves wounds all over his body.

According to an episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the boy, Daxen, is under the care of his aunt Teresita while his mom, Daylyn, is serving as a domestic helper in Singapore.

Daxen’s skin is always red and bleeding. His nails have also turned black and his eyes stay open all the time.

“Hindi ako makatulog. Kasi ‘yung sakit, nagluluha,” he said. “Makati tapos parang mainit. Kinakamot. Mahapdi ‘pag nahahanginan.”

(“I can’t sleep. It’s too painful. It itches and it feels hot. It stings when exposed to air.”)

To give him some comfort, his aunt frequently changes his blankets, bed sheets, and pillow cases. She takes care of him since his mom cannot fly back home because she needs to provide for her son.

“Sabi raw allergy. Nagulat kami. Kasi matanggal ‘yung balat niya tapos sa loob ng dalawang araw, babalik uli na maitim,” Teresita said about her nephew’s condition.

(“At first, we thought it was just allergies. But his skin continued to shed and eventually turned black.”)

Daylyn, meanwhile, wishes she could be there for her son.

“Sobrang sakit sa dibdib ‘yung nagtatrabaho ka tapos ‘yung isip mo nandun. Hindi ka po maka-concentrate sa trabaho mo kasi ‘yung isip mo nandun sa anak mo,” she said.

(“It hurts to see my son like that. While I’m working, all I could do is think of my son. I can barely concentrate on my work because I worry for him.”)

The mother surprised Daxen with a call to lend him some comfort even from afar. She also promised to go home and take care of him when her contract expires next year.

The next day, however, Daxen’s condition worsened as he began to experience difficulty in breathing. He had to be carried by his neighbors and MDRRMO staff using a hammock to reach the ambulance at the foot of the mountain. The trek down took them two hours.

According to the doctor who checked Daxen’s condition, he may be suffering from lamellar ichthyosis, a rare skin condition.

“Treatable naman siya. We have to keep the skin moisturized. Nag-request na kami ng mga laboratories, but we’re still waiting pa for the result,” the doctor said.

(“It’s treatable. We have to keep the skin moisturized. We requested for laboratory tests, but we’re still waiting for the results.”)

KMJS extended some financial assistance for Daxen’s medical needs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region VI also pledged to help with the hospital bills.

“Ayokong sumuko kasi gusto ko po nang mag-aral. Tulungan ninyo po akong gumaling,” Daxen said.

(“I don’t want to give up on life. I want to study. Please help me.”)

For those who wish to help, you may send your donations to:

Bank of the Philippine Islands (Paseo Laguna Branch)
ACCOUNT NAME: Christopher Sacquior Eiman
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 2339 1282 54
MOBILE NUMBER: 09331238722

—MGP, GMA News