KKK Recipient: MARIEL J - Case: Retinoblastoma

"MARIEL JASTIA ---Case: Retinoblastoma"

by Kathy Villalon

The youngest recipient of Mga Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang May Kanser (KKK) is Mariel Jastia, who is only nine months old.

She was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is a rapidly developing cancer that develops in the cells of retina, the light detecting tissue of the eye. This generally affects children under the age of 6. It is most commonly diagnosed in children aged one to two years.

When Mariel was only two months old, her mother Mardy, 37, saw a whitish spot at the pupil of her left eye. This increased in size, covering the entire left eyeball, when Mariel was four months old. So, Mardy brought her daughter to an ophthalmologist, who required a CT scan. The examination showed that she has bilateral Retinoblastoma on her left eye. This required removal of the affected eye, so Mariel had to undergo the operation last March 21 this year.

Mariel also went through chemotherapy treatments. “With God’s grace, Mariel was able to complete her four chemotherapy treatments,” Mardy said.

Some of those who helped them with Mariel’s treatments were the Department of Social Welfare and Development of Pavia, Mayor A Gorriceta, village officials of Purok 4, Rep. Syjuco, trisikad drivers and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

However, this month, the ophthalmologist suggested that the right eye of Mariel has to undergo laser treatment and this would cost them P10,000.

“Our problem is, we cannot afford that amount. We can’t even afford to buy her medicines. We don’t know how we could come up with the money,” Mardy said.

Mardy’s husband, Juvy, 44, works as a welder and trisikad driver and earns only an average of P6,000 a month. That is not enough to meet the family’s needs, considering that the couple has three more kids – Julie Ann, 14; Joseph, 10; and Jomar, four years old. The three are studying in Pavia, Iloilo.  They live as squatters in a small house that’s made of mixed materials. The bedroom, living and dining areas are located in one room.

The well-being of a child is every parent’s wish. Mardy continues to hope that some kind-hearted individuals or organizations would help them save their child.

Pls contact us if you wish to extend any help.  Help us give them a chance.