Help Nurse Mark in his battle with Dystonia.

Message from Mark

DEAR SIR/ MADAM 
Greetings and great day!

DEAR Friends,

My name is Anthony Cagaoan, a registered nurse and midwife. I am 35 years old and currently residing at 7E Main StreetGreenview Park, Pamplona 3 Las Pinas City, Philippines with my widowed senior citizen mother.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with this VERY RARE condition called X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism last July 2019, which unfortunately does not have any known cure. It affects mostly Filipino males. My doctors told me this maybe due to heavy stress, head trauma or hereditary.
Last year in May, my eyes started twitching and I was having difficulty keeping them open especially at daytime. What I thought was a simple eye problem was not the case. My friend's sister who is a Doctor suggested that I should consult a Neurologist. I went to Philippine General Hospital and upon further investigations, Dr. Pasco diagnosed me with Dystonia Parkinsonism.
Sometime in June 2019, my jaw started to open involuntarily. As suggested by my doctor, I went through the Genetic Testing in UP PGH and by July 2019 I tested positive with X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism. My world crumbled upon hearing this devastating news. I am now unable to perform basic activities of daily living - even simple things such as smiling and opening my eyes have become a task. All my life savings went to medications, therapy, quarterly procedures and other households expenses. Being the only breadwinner in the family, my mother’s medication budget for her Diabetes and Hypertension are now compromised as well. I am currently taking medications to relax and lessen the excessive movement of my eyes and jaw. I have also undergone a procedure called Chemodenervation with Botulinum Toxin to improve these symptoms.
My doctors have suggested a treatment that can improve my condition. The procedure is called Deep Brain Stimulation. It involves implanting a pacemaker that sends electrical signals to the brain area that is responsible for body movements). There are only two hospitals in the Philippines where the operation is available, Cardinal Santos and Asian Hospital. The procedure is also available abroad. We did some research found another great treatment in SOUTH KOREA under YJ CARE CLINIC where they treat this particular type of cervical dystonia. We attained quotations from Cardinal Santos and YJ Care Clinic of the cost of the treatments.
I have to be honest, these two options are the only chance I have. Although I have reservations due to the fact that the surgery here in the Philippines has no assurance that I can be back to my normal life and the treatment in South Korea, though non-invasive, will cost much more.
OUR FAMILY is humbly asking for prayers and monetary assistance even just for the slightest chance that I can function normally again. I tried sending letters to PHILIPPINES SENATORS and PAGCOR but unfortunately I was rejected due to some technicalities.
Your financial assistance, even a small amount will be highly appreciated. I will be forever grateful for thus amount no matter how great or small because it aided me in getting a step closer for me to be able to hug my loved ones again on my own, unassisted.
God continue to bless you and your family.
Yours Sincerely,
Anthony Cagaoan

 

Anthony Cagaoan