A family in Calasiao, Pangasinan, is appealing for financial assistance for their 79-year-old grandmother, who has been battling a rare neurological condition called Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS).
According to her granddaughter, Mary Kristine Abril, their grandmother, Lola Perla, has been confined in the hospital for nearly a month due to the illness.
"Mahina pa rin po, wala pa rin pong pagsasalita, hindi pa rin makagalaw, hindi pa [niya] maitaas 'yung ulo [at] 'yung kamay. Sobrang hina po ni Lola ngayon," Abril said.
Due to the high cost of medical care, the family is reaching out for help to cover hospital bills and the expensive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) vials needed for treatment, which cost around P38,000 per 10 grams.
"Second confinement na namin actually ngayon. 24 days na kami from February 4 hanggang ngayon. Yung first confinement nila is I think January 26 to February 2. Tapos after two days, binalik ulit namin sa ospital," Abril said.
ODS is a rare condition caused by a rapid drop in the body’s electrolyte levels, particularly sodium.
This leads to brain cell dysfunction and damages the myelin sheath, which protects nerve cells in the brain.
The Cabrera family is asking for donations to help fund Lola Perla’s medical expenses.
"Sana po yung mga may mabubuting puso, nananawagan po kaming pamilya ng Cabrera, na sana po matulungan niyo yung Lola namin para sa additional medical expenses po niya," Abril said.
For those who wish to help, donations can be sent to:
- BPI Account Number: 8759055129
- GCash: 09939240341
