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***** 04-27-09 Update: Merlita had successful surgery on April 6 and is recovering at GEMS
Heart Outreach in Cavite, Philippines
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Merlita is from Malitbog, Southern Leyte, Philippines. Now, 38 years old and single, she first came down with this condition
12 years ago from a small cyst. Not having any funds to correct the problem, it has contiuned to get worse.
Merlita is single and lives with her 76 year old father. She is the 'breadwinner' in the family and operates a small
"sari-sari" store selling snacks. The income is very small but it has provided for rice and fish for her father and siblings.
Now Merlita is in Manila and is staying and being cared for by our GEMS's staff. She will soon undergo a CT Scan and
tests at the Philipine General Hospital and eventually surgery, possibly more than one.
Please join in the effort no matter the amount. The need is urgent and it is the right thing to do. No donation is too
small.
Funds are still needed for medicines and dental repair. Merlita now has no lower teeth. We are trying
to raise $1,700 for her dental costs.
Please use PayPal or send a check to:
Merlita's Fund
Outreach Asia, INC
5608 Benton Ave
Edina, MN 55436
Thank you!
Philippine Rondalla Music Fundraiser for Merlita at San Francisco's Embacadero
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From our GEMS Staff in Manila:
Dear Mike and All,
We've met with Merlita at around
12:00 Noon at PGH(Philippine General Hospital) with mixed emotions. Happy because finally we have met, sad because
of her current situation and undesirable experiences at PGH. At first I took her in the restaurant to eat lunch because she
left the house early morning and have only taken slight breakfast. After we met in the hospital I brought her here in Molino at GEMS Center. I showed her the place and immediately
she asked me if she could stay with us. I let her sleep first because she has severe headache. We had planned to go back
to Pasig to her sister after she has rested. Suprisingly, she has a sound sleep from 3:00- 7:00 P.M. I told her just
to stay first at the center and she will be accompanied by our social worker the following day to Pasig. Now, she was
relieved from her headaches.
Merlita has
already given a blue card that will serves as her "pass" to any transaction at PGH. She has already paid P 5,100($106)
for the CT scan thinking that she will be scheduled soonest. However, after she paid, she was told that schedule for
a CT scan is set on December 12th. She was also told by the doctor that she will come back on November 28 to be interviewed
by the social worker of Medical Service Department. In addition, the doctor informed that if in case she will undergo surgery,
she needs P 250,000.00($5,200).
Merlita was in a down moment. She expressed that she has no more money, The
P 9000+ given to her by the municipality of Malitbog, P 3000+ paid for their transportation going to Manila and P 5,100 for
the CT scan and other payments required by PGH. The remaining amount were spent in coming back to PGH since Thursday until
this Saturday. According to her, she has only P 50($1) in her pocket. Her sister did not accompany her anymore to the
hospital because they have no more money left.
Merlita is schedule to go back to PGH on November 10 am as per instruction
of the doctor. Faith informed her that she will be interviewed by the Social Worker in Medical Service Department OPD on November
11. Our social worker, Mhel Lapitan will accompany Merlita for her schedule in the hospital.
Mike, we (GEMS) will accommodate them at
the center. Merlita is part of our mission. We will hold on together in the name of our Lord Jesus for her recovery.
Thank you very much and God bless.
Cora
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