Girl with congenital spine defect needs CT scan to correct vision

A CONGENITAL defect affecting her spine has left 11-year-old Maria Joddel Manangan unable to walk.

For her regular checkups, Maria Joddel’s mother, Rowelyn Manangan of San Mateo, Isabela province, carries her to the doctor’s office.

MANANGAN

“But if the distance is quite far, I put her in a stroller,” Rowelyn said.

Aside from robbing her of the ability to walk, Maria Joddel’s illness (spina bifida, defined as a birth defect in which a baby’s spine does not develop normally) has also led to chronic kidney failure.

As a result, the young girl underwent two operations, on top of monthly ultrasound tests to monitor her kidney

problem.

Her gall bladder has also stopped functioning while her vision has started becoming blurry, a condition that should be addressed immediately to prevent blindness.

Rowelyn said that a neurosurgeon at the Philippine General Hospital has advised her and her husband, construction worker Marcelino Manangan, to bring their daughter in for a CT scan on Feb. 5 to determine what is causing the young girl to constantly blink her eyes.

The procedure, along with an ultrasound and other laboratory tests and medication, will cost the family P18,000.

Those who want to help Maria Joddel can reach her mother at 0935-8580561. Donations may be coursed through Rowelyn Manangan’s BPI savings account (#0119-023459).