Baby born with multiple deformities needs cochlear implant

Matteo Guisic

Throughout her pregnancy, there was nothing in Marian Guisic’s ultrasound tests or checkups that showed anything unusual about her baby.

But when Matteo was born in September 2017, it turned out he had multiple congenital anomalies.

“We were all shocked. My wife’s OB-gynecologist even started to question her own capability as a doctor,” Guisic’s husband, Leonardo Jr., told the Inquirer.

Matteo, who was born at Philippine General Hospital, had to stay for three months at the intensive care unit because there were no holes in his nose.

“After an operation was conducted, doctors realized that he still could not breathe so they bore a hole in his neck. He breathes through that hole for now,” said Leonardo Jr., a 30-year-old accountant from Naga City who now lives in Cainta, Rizal.

Leonardo Jr. has resigned as general manager of a digital company to look after his son fulltime.

Aside from having no holes in his nose, Matteo also suffers from severe pulmonary stenosis, mild communicating hydrocephalus, a small brain, bilateral profound hearing loss, growth retardation and other physical deformities.

Leonardo Jr. said doctors had told him his son must soon undergo cochlear implantation in one ear for now so that he would be able to hear. The procedure would cost P1.3 million.

“This experience and challenge have humbled me. I want to thank those who have helped my son financially and through prayers,” he said.

Leonardo Jr. can be reached at 0905-3550437. Donors can deposit any amount in his son BDO’s account (Matteo Guisic, account #005080266296).