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Johann's Battle w/ Biliary Atresia

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Johann Mikhail joined our family at 7:41 PM of March 14, 2015, and he was born at 38 weeks through cesarean section. He is a beautiful and sweet boy and I am blessed to have him my life. Despite being a struggling single mother, seeing him in healthy and happy makes all the hardships worth it.

When Johann Mikhail was a week old, my family noticed that his eyes and complexion were becoming yellowish. The pediatrician explained to us that Johann had jaundice, and we only had to expose him to sunlight so that his bilirubin levels (a liver byproduct which causes jaundice) would eventually go down.

However, Johann’s jaundice wasn’t cured. On his second month, we decided to bring him to another pediatrician, where he was immediately sent to the laboratory for his blood work. Hearing him cry while I watched him get his blood drawn was very painful for me, and I actually thought I could handle it. I could not.

The Pediatrician was alarmed because of his very high bilirubin levels. From there, we decided to bring him to Philippine General Hospital, and Johann was assessed by the Gastroenterologist Team (GI). Johann had another series of blood works. He was confined and was set to have a liver biopsy along with many other lab tests to monitor his condition.

On July 4, had been diagnosed to have Biliary Atresia, a rare life threatening liver disease that affects newborns. The Kasai Procedure could have been be done to minimize the liver damage, but it was only done for infants up to 2 months of age. At the time of the diagnosis, Johann was more than 3 months old. Johann did not qualify for the procedure. He also had recurring infections and surgery could not be done.

The doctors explained that the ultimate cure for Biliary Atresia was a liver transplant. Babies who did not undergo Liver Transplant are not likely to live beyond age two. The Liver Transplant operation would cost millions of pesos. As of now, he's undergoing constant follow up checks for close monitoring and taking series of medications to keep him strong and fit while waiting for his transplant.

In behalf of my baby, I humbly ask for your help in raising enough funds for Johann’s liver transplant and medications. We sincerely appreciate any possible assistance that you could give.

Baby Johann needs your help.


You could send in your donations through:

1. Bank (Banco De Oro)
Savings Account no.: 005540225350
Name: Joan F. Urminita
Branch: Shangrila Plaza Mall Edsa Branch

2. Paypal
[email redacted]

3. GoFundMe
gofundme.com/HopeForJohann

You can also send us a message here in the page, or to my facebook account, https://www.facebook.com/urminitajoan.

Thank you very much and may God bless you all!
- Joan Urminita, Johann’s mother

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Organizer and beneficiary

Joan Formento Urminita
Organizer
La Homa, TX
Gerard Achilles Obnial
Beneficiary

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