A parish community in Batanes is uniting to support one of its youngest and most active members, Jayden Blake D. Merida, who was born with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and congenital hypothyroidism.

VSD is a congenital heart defect where a hole between the heart's two lower chambers causes oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, straining the heart and lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Meanwhile, congenital hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones for proper growth and development, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Jayden urgently needs medical treatment in Manila to address these health challenges.

A HEART WARRIOR

Despite his condition, Jayden remains a bright and active presence in his parish.

"Baby Jayden is a very active member of my parish community in a sense that he is always present in all our activities," Fr. Ronaldo Berber Manabat, Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Batanes, said.

"Whenever we have activities, for sure the family with Baby Jayden, they are there... he is dressed also in accordance with the celebrations. During the March of Saints, he is the youngest participant dressed like a certain saint or an angel. During the feast of Sto. Niño, he is present with costume of the Sto. Niño," he added.

His three sisters are also active in their children’s ministry, children’s choir, and lectors.

In response to Jayden’s medical needs, Fr. Manabat has launched an appeal for donations to help fund his surgery and recovery.

The parish has set up multiple channels for donations, including bank transfers and mobile payment options.

"Baby Jayden is a source of inspiration among us here. He brought joy to the parishioners," Fr. Manabat said.

They are also helping other parishioners in need through their Mission Caring Hearts program. But as much as they would like to help, Fr. Manabat said their situation in Batanes limits them.

Their resources are spread thin as they are trying to help not only Baby Jayden but also others in the parish who needs help.

“Kaya if may kaunting pondo nahahati din. Kaya I posted about Baby Jayden kasi baka maraming makabasa at makatulong sa kanya.,” he said.

The parish earlier collected from different ministries and religious organizations and donated to Jayden's family.

Fr. Manabat said other groups organized various fundraising activities, such as "Dance for A Cause" and "Softball for a Cause."

He expressed his deep gratitude to those who are already helping and called on others to contribute.

“To those who wish to help Baby Jayden, as his parish priest, ngayon pa lamang ay labis na akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga nagnanais na tumulong,” Fr. Manabat said.

Donations are being accepted through various channels, including bank transfers and mobile payment options.

Fr. Manabat assured all contributions will be accounted for properly and transferred to Jayden’s family to ensure the treatment is covered.

“Sana ay maging sagot tayo sa panalangin ng kanyang mga kapatid at mga magulang. Sana tayo na ang kanilang ‘answered prayers’,” he said.