7-month-old baby diagnosed with rare disease

When Prince Angelo Betua was born in January, he seemed like a normal baby. But almost a month later, he turned blue and started having trouble breathing.

“Upon the advice of the pediatrician, I brought him to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City where he was confined in the intensive care unit (ICU),” his mother, 29-year-old Katherina, told the Inquirer.

Doctors diagnosed Betua with spinal muscular atrophy type II, a rare ailment in babies. It is caused by the loss of motor neurons that send signals to the brain to control muscle movement.

With Betua in the ICU since April, his hospital bill has ballooned to P1.5 million. To ease the financial burden on his family, PCMC doctors have allowed Katherina and her husband, Angel, to bring him home.

Breathing apparatus

But since Betua needs to be hooked up to a ventilator 24/7 to help him breathe, the family must buy their own ventilator and generator. A set costs P250,000.

“Although my baby has a life-long health condition, we are not losing hope. We are appealing to your readers for their financial help and prayers,” said Katherina, who used to be a secretary for a lighting fixtures company.

Angel was a driver in the same firm until he resigned to devote his full time to soliciting donations for their son’s medical needs. The family lives in Antipolo City.

Katherina can be reached at 0932-1043138. Donations can be deposited in her BPI account (#4059353131) under her maiden name, Katherina Espinosa.