Sick teenager needs money for chemotherapy

JERRY Boy Roberto

Before he was diagnosed four years ago to be suffering from ganglioneuroblastoma, 18-year-old Jerry Boy Roberto was a typical teenager who would spend his weekends playing basketball with his friends.

Due to his condition, Jerry was advised by doctors to rest and undergo eight cycles of chemotherapy to stop the tumors affecting his sympathetic nervous system (determines the body’s response to activity, stress, danger, or environmental challenge).

His mother, Violeta, said that Jerry has been complaining of late of intense pain in that area between his adrenal gland and liver.

She is a single parent who is raising Jerry and three other children. She makes a living as a manicurist.

“There are three more remaining cycles. One cycle alone will cost us P107,000,” she told the Inquirer.

Although doctors at Philippine Children’s Medical Center have scheduled Jerry’s sixth chemotherapy session for today, Violeta is unsure whether it will push through as she has no money.

Those who want to help Jerry seek treatment can reach him or Violeta at 0912-7579586. Donations are welcome and can be deposited in Violeta Roberto’s Landbank account (account number 0536053590).