Special kid needs surgery

HER NEWBORN screening test results were all normal so her parents were puzzled when at six months, Maria Ysabelle Gatbunton seemed unable to hold up her head without support.

“Following a checkup at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, she was diagnosed with mesial temporal sclerosis which causes her to have seizures. It took me some time before coming to terms with the reality that my daughter is a special child,” Maria Ysabelle’s mother, Memia, told the Inquirer.

Mesial temporal sclerosis can be caused by head trauma, an infection or a lack of oxygen to the brain. At times, it can occur for no apparent reason. The ailment may lead to a form of temporal lobe epilepsy with seizures that can affect other areas of the brain.

Maria Ysabelle, who will turn five on Aug. 14, can only say three words: “Papa,” “Mama” and “Ate.” She also has difficulty chewing and swallowing her food. “At her age, she does not eat rice. We give her food that does not need to be chewed,” said Memia who lives with her husband, a construction worker, and their children in Old Balara, Quezon City.

Gatbunton said that despite their efforts to look after Maria Ysabelle’s teeth through regular brushing, most of these are decayed, causing her daughter a lot of pain. Because of this, doctors have recommended that Maria Ysabelle undergo dental surgery on Friday at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. Doctors have estimated the cost of the surgery at P74,000.

Those who want to help can reach Memia Gatbunton at 0910-9207822. For donations, Memia’s Landbank account number is 0626070477.