Widower’s kids with blood disorder need bimonthly transfusions

Charisse and Jericho Tongkin

MANILA, Philippines — When Marissa Sadiwa and widower Ramilo Tongkin, a multipurpose cab driver, met four years ago, she immediately became fond of his three children with his late wife.

Two of them are suffering from beta-thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, in which there are reduced levels of hemoglobin. Because of their condition, both are anemic and need to undergo a blood transfusion every three weeks for the rest of their lives.

“We have been married for three years and I consider Charisse and Jericho my own children. Their pain has become my pain,” said Sadiwa, who used to work at a canteen in Imus, Cavite province.

Eleven-year-old Charisse is a Grade 1 student at Imus Pilot Elementary School. She dropped out of school for five years because she was being bullied over her bloated stomach, a result of her condition. Jericho is 8 years old and in kindergarten at the same school.

Marissa asked Inquirer readers for help since they spend P10,000 to P16,000 every time both children undergo a blood transfusion at Philippine Children’s Medical Center (P5,000 to P8,000 per child).

Marissa Sadiwa can be reached at 0999-1536604. Deposits can be made to the Landbank account of Ramilo Tongkin (account #1426-1506-50).