Aid sought for baby with hole in heart

LAGAMAYO

Two-year-old Mercle Lagamayo was born with a hole and an underdeveloped vein in her heart, a condition whose symptoms include the sometimes bluish hue of her gums and fingernails.

“This (change in color) usually happens when she cries in pain. We were advised to just do anything to pacify her, otherwise she might just stop breathing,” said Arturo, her troubled father.

Arturo, a 42-year-old barber, came all the way from Buhatan, Sorsogon province, with wife Rowena to have Mercle treated in the capital. The family is temporarily staying at his brother Nicanor’s house in Bulacan province.

Mercle had a twin sister who died due to congenital complications. She is scheduled to undergo cardiac catheterization at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City for her underdeveloped vein.

Her parents are struggling to raise the P50,000 needed for the procedure. If the operation proves successful, the child needs to undergo another for the hole in her heart.

Those who wish to help Mercle may call Arturo Lagamayo at 0921-4096503. Donations can also be coursed through his brother Nicanor Lagamayo’s Metrobank account (3-04735686-6). Santiago R. Alcantara