Sick 5-year-old boy who has had 3 operations needs to undergo 2 more

J-Ann Atutubo

When J-Ann Atutubo was born five years ago in Jose Panganiban town in Camarines Norte province, he was diagnosed with three conditions: hydrocephallus, myelomeningocele and an imperforate anus (no anal opening).

J-Ann has since undergone three operations at Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) for his ailments. A shunt has been placed in his head to drain the excess fluid which puts pressure on the brain. He has also undergone surgery to correct the defect in his spine although up to now, he still cannot walk.

Recently, the 5-year-old underwent a colostomy, with doctors creating an artificial opening in his abdominal wall, allowing his body to get rid of waste.

“There are just too many problems inside his body and I have no permanent job to spend for his medical expenses,” J-Ann’s father, Judiel Atutubo, told the Inquirer. He used to work at a mining site in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

Judiel added that J-Ann needed to undergo two more operations—one, to create a hole in his anus and the second one, to be done after six months, to close the temporary opening in his abdominal wall (reverse colostomy).

The first operation, which doctors at PCMC will perform, will cost the family P70,000.

“I sincerely appeal to your readers to help us,” said Judiel who was staying with J-Ann and his wife, Jholly Ann, at a charitable institution on V. Luna Street, Quezon City. The couple had left their other child in the care of Judiel’s mother in Bicol.

Judiel Atutubo can be reached at 0948-7974698. Donations may be deposited in his Landbank account (# 2866094198).