Docs recommend chemo for girl with blood ailment

REALISAN

Grade 1 pupil Mary Angel Realisan seems like a normal student despite the fact that she has been battling a disease for over four years.

“She goes to class regularly even when her platelet count for white blood cells is very low,” her mother Merly said.

Mary Angel was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) in 2010 when her parents brought her to Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) due to constant bruises, rashes and low blood platelet count.

ITP is characterized by the decreased number of circulating platelets. Its symptoms include a tendency to bleed or bruise easily. It is a primary illness occurring in an otherwise healthy person.

Mary Angel is enrolled at Commonwealth Elementary School on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. She and her parents live in the Payatas area. Merly stays at home while her husband, Armando, is a tricycle driver.

“They have yet to take their final exams but her teachers have hinted that she is running for honors. If she overcomes this setback on her health, hopefully she will be able to maintain her good performance in school,” Merly said.

PCMC doctors have recommended a one-time chemotherapy session for her daughter which will cost the family P252,000 (nine vials at P28,000 each).

Merly Realisan can be reached at 0906-9581957. Donations are welcome through her BPI bank account (33790911-12).