MANILA, Philippines – Jemimah Diestro was 4 years old when doctors told her parents that she had the symptoms of nephritic syndrome.

The disease is characterized by a kidney disorder wherein large amounts of protein are excreted from the body, causing the patient to suffer from respiratory track infection and cellulitis (pagmamanas).

Jemimah suffered her worst attack last year when her body became bloated, with her waistline swelling from 21 to 30 inches, according to her mother, Didaca.

Now 10 years old, the girl is a Grade 3 nonformal education student of the Palar Annex Elementary School in Taguig City. Despite her illness, Jemimah is actively involved in church and barangay activities, Didaca said.

Last month, Jemimah underwent renal biopsy at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute on East Avenue, Quezon City.

The results were released on Jan. 8 but Didaca said that they were only able to go back to the hospital last Jan. 22 because of money problems.

“The findings revealed that she has minor glomerular abnormality, and she needs to undergo electron microscopy. The doctors themselves cannot tell exactly what her illness is,” said Didaca, a single parent.

She added that during a recent consultation, the doctors said her daughter would need medication until she turns 18.

“I’m appealing to Inquirer readers for the help in buying Jemimah’s maintenance medicine. I cannot do this alone,” Didaca said.

Those who want to help Jemimah can deposit their donations in Didaca’s bank account at Banco de Oro (account number 2370013601), or they may call her at 0916-449-0881.