Siblings with blood disorder need P18K

WHEN Aniceta Serrano married Milo Luzano, both were unaware that they were carriers of beta thalassemia, a blood disorder which they passed on to their children.

“All our four children have beta thalassemia. Our second child, Daniel, died because his serum ferritin level was very high at 17,000. The normal level is 2,000,” 50-year-old Aniceta said.

Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder which affects the way the body makes hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

If there is not enough iron, red blood cells are unable to supply the body with adequate oxygen. Too much iron, on the other hand, can also lead to problems.

Based on the ferritin test (an exam to measure the amount of stored iron in the body) ordered by the doctor, the couple’s eldest child, Angelica, who is aged 20, has an iron overload of 11,000. Brian, the youngest, has 5,000 while their other sibling Melanie, who is also a carrier, has normal iron levels.

“It has been very difficult for all of us but God has been good as He has always led us to kind people,” Aniceta said.

She added that Angelica and Brian were scheduled to go to Philippine Children’s Medical Center this week for a blood transfusion. The two need to undergo the procedure every three weeks to regulate their iron supply levels. For this, they will need P18,000 for six bags of blood.

Those who want to help Angelica and Brian can reach their mother, Aniceta Luzano, at 0997-3796171. Donations can be deposited in Aniceta’s RCBC account (#2146 0988 70).