Save Baby Iko

When baby Iko was only a week old, Doctor's noted yellowish discoloration of the eyeballs, which eventually progressed to jaundice of the skin. Persistence of symptoms existed and
baby Iko was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia prior to one month of age. It is a rare, chronic and progressive disease of the liver that occurs in infants, which is life threatening if left untreated.

Tubes inside and outside of the liver, called bile ducts, normally allow a liquid produced by the liver called bile to drain into the intestines and kidneys. Bile aids in digestion and carries waste products from the liver for excretion. In biliary atresia, bile ducts are blocked and unable to leave the liver causing damage and scarring of the liver cells (cirrhosis), and finally liver failure.

This condition is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in newborns and occurs once in every 30,000 births. It is the most common reason for liver transplant in children.The cause of the condition is unknown. The only effective treatments are certain surgeries such as kasai procedure, or liver transplant.

Baby Iko has previously undergone kasai procedure when he was 6 weeks old but further examination revealed an inflammation on his right abdomen due to liver complication. Kasai procedure is a way to surgically bypass the damage ducts so that bile can drain from the liver to the intestine.

Sadly the only way to save baby Iko is to have a liver transplant. He is fully dependent on medication to survive. Baby Iko's family is struggling to raise 4 million pesos ($100,000) for his liver transplant. The family lives in the Philippines and does not have any medical insurance. They are also faced with huge ongoing medical expenses. Doctors advised that it is critical to have the operation prior to his first birthday in August otherwise his chance of survival is 50/50.

The family of Iko is seeking donations to help defray the medical expenses and the required liver transplant. We are requesting your support and help to make a difference in Iko's life. Please be assured that your contribution will be put to good cause and help sustain to the ongoing medical bills and the necessary liver transplant. Let's all join forces and save a little boy's life!!!