Fundraiser for Benjo Macalintal, COVID-19 Patient
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My nephew Benjo Macalintal, based in Metro Manila, Philippines, turns 29 tomorrow, March 18. He is the son of my dear sister Leah Ledesma-Saa.
Last week, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, and his symptoms rapidly became more serious over the weekend. His breathing was labored, and he was running a high fever. When he went to the hospital, he was turned away as "not serious enough".
His symptoms worsened. Early this week, friends took him to the Lung Center of the Philippines, where a pulmonologist assessed him and determined that he had full-blown pneumonia. He has been admitted to the ICU.
Friends, this is a scary time. I never thought a young man as strong and vigorous as my nephew would be in this state. I even assured family members, "He'll be fine. He's young and strong." In my mind, his current condition does not seem possible given his "normal" state. And then I am reminded that COVID-19 is NOT normal.
Benjo is determined to beat this and to walk out of the hospital a little worse for wear, but breathing on his own without pain or discomfort. He covets your prayers. We all do.
We also need to appeal to you for help to pay for his medical bills. Hospitalization in the Philippines is not like hospitalization in the U.S. Family members have to provide all your incidentals: your drinking water, toilet paper, and even medical supplies. This is on top of the bills for hospitalization and the doctor, CT scans, and other things you wouldn't think you would need to provide. And no, I do not mean that you just pay an itemized bill. I mean you actually have to go to the store or pharmacy to buy these things and bring them to the hospital.
The expenses are adding up daily. And no, we are trying not to be too alarmed by them. Anything to get our boy healthy again. But please, we do ask for your help. Any amount helps.
Thank you. God bless you. If you pray, please say a prayer for Benjo. And please... take precautions and stay safe.
Last week, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, and his symptoms rapidly became more serious over the weekend. His breathing was labored, and he was running a high fever. When he went to the hospital, he was turned away as "not serious enough".
His symptoms worsened. Early this week, friends took him to the Lung Center of the Philippines, where a pulmonologist assessed him and determined that he had full-blown pneumonia. He has been admitted to the ICU.
Friends, this is a scary time. I never thought a young man as strong and vigorous as my nephew would be in this state. I even assured family members, "He'll be fine. He's young and strong." In my mind, his current condition does not seem possible given his "normal" state. And then I am reminded that COVID-19 is NOT normal.
Benjo is determined to beat this and to walk out of the hospital a little worse for wear, but breathing on his own without pain or discomfort. He covets your prayers. We all do.
We also need to appeal to you for help to pay for his medical bills. Hospitalization in the Philippines is not like hospitalization in the U.S. Family members have to provide all your incidentals: your drinking water, toilet paper, and even medical supplies. This is on top of the bills for hospitalization and the doctor, CT scans, and other things you wouldn't think you would need to provide. And no, I do not mean that you just pay an itemized bill. I mean you actually have to go to the store or pharmacy to buy these things and bring them to the hospital.
The expenses are adding up daily. And no, we are trying not to be too alarmed by them. Anything to get our boy healthy again. But please, we do ask for your help. Any amount helps.
Thank you. God bless you. If you pray, please say a prayer for Benjo. And please... take precautions and stay safe.
Organizer
Lynette Ledesma
Organizer
Carmichael, CA