13-year-old PWD hurt in firecracker blast needs blood, 3 more operations

The 13-year-old person with disability (PWD) who was hurt in a firecracker explosion in Quezon City is now recovering in the intensive care unit of Quirino Memorial Medical Center. 

According to Raffy Tima’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, the parents of “Ronron” are happy to see his condition improving. 

“Okay na makulit yung makita ko, hindi yung walang malay,” said the mother, Emily Pacheco. 

(I’m okay seeing him being playful rather than seeing him unconscious.) 

“Ronron” already underwent two major surgeries. But he needs to undergo three more operations. 

Fortunately, his feet do not need to be amputated after he squeezed between his calves the firecracker he lit up. 

“Sa ngayon nasisipa niya, naigagalaw niya,” said “Ronron’s” father Jonathan Pacheco. 

(He can move his legs now.)

They are also seeking help for the metal structure to be placed in his calves. 

The attending doctor said that while there is no longer a need for additional blood for “Ronron’s” upcoming operations, the blood used during the teenager's initial operation needs to be replaced.

“Intubated pa rin pero maganda na yung status niya. Nakakakain na siya gawa ng tubo sa ilong…Gising naman na, nagre-respond na yung pasyente,” said Dr. Chris Charlemagne Cruz.

(He’s still intubated but his status is good. He can now eat via the tube in his nose…He’s already awake and responsive.) 

Aside from the high number of firework-related injury victims, these are also considered “lean months” for the blood supply because the number of donors drops after the holiday season.

The Philippine Red Cross has already appealed to the public for additional blood donations.

The organization said there are fewer blood donation drives during this time, so walk-in donors are vital to sustain the country’s blood supply.

“Donating blood at the start of the year is a powerful way to turn goodwill and compassion into action that saves lives,” the Philippine Red Cross said. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News