A New Beat for Nehemiah

Campaign Story

My name is Leo, and I reside in Cebu, Philippines, alongside my beloved wife Abby and our precious twins, Nehemiah and Jeremiah. The journey began on July 29, 2018, when my twins entered the world prematurely. Nehemiah, at that delicate time, weighed a mere 0.94kg. Despite his initial struggles, Nehemiah exhibited encouraging progress. However, his doctor detected an unusual murmur emanating from his heart and advised a 2D Echo evaluation. The preliminary diagnosis revealed underdeveloped arteries within his heart, as per the doctor's assessment.

Approximately three months later, Nehemiah's health took a concerning turn. He was admitted to a private hospital in Cebu due to respiratory difficulties, and a diagnosis of pneumonia followed. During his treatment, the medical team recommended a second 2D Echo, which unveiled a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) measuring 0.55mm. Given his underweight status, surgical intervention was deemed too risky for Nehemiah's fragile condition.

A year elapsed, prompting us to seek a second opinion from another cardiologist. On October 16, 2019, a follow-up 2D Echo was conducted, revealing an enlargement of Nehemiah's VSD to 5.7mm. The cardiologist conveyed that there might be a possibility of the defect closing on its own, offering a glimmer of hope. Yet, amidst this ray of hope, Nehemiah's struggle to gain weight persisted. The COVID-19 pandemic that gripped the world in 2020 brought unforeseen challenges. Navigating medical appointments and check-ups became increasingly daunting due to restricted contact and movement, persisting until the year 2022.

As Nehemiah reached the tender age of 3, we sought another consultation with his cardiologist, marking the fourth 2D Echo examination. Alas, the findings were disheartening, revealing an enlargement of his VSD to 8.5mm in diameter. The doctor delivered the sobering news that closure of the defect was now improbable. At this juncture, Nehemiah's weight had increased to a mere 8kg, and his physical stability remained tenuous.

The sands of time continued to flow, and Nehemiah celebrated his fourth birthday. His entry into daycare was brief, marred by a viral infection that his fragile immune system struggled to combat. Thus, we opted for a modular education approach. On July 29, 2023, both Nehemiah and his brother turned 5, yet his weight stood at a meager 10.5kg. Complicating matters, he developed Pulmonary Hypertension with enlargement of his VSD to 9mm, prompting our pursuit of his heart surgery as his VSD size had expanded to 9mm in diameter.

In these trying times, our family's journey with Nehemiah has been a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering determination. Through the highs and lows, we have been guided by our trust in God's plan and the remarkable support of our community and loved ones. As we navigate the uncertain road ahead, we hold onto hope and express heartfelt gratitude for the compassion and assistance that have uplifted us.

With Nehemiah's well-being at the forefront of our prayers, we step forward into the next chapter of his medical journey. Our path is illuminated by the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals, while our spirits remain fortified by the collective strength of those who care. Your kindness has touched us deeply, and we eagerly anticipate the brighter days that lie ahead, where Nehemiah's smile becomes a beacon of God's grace and healing. Thank you for being a part of this profound and meaningful journey, a testament to the miracles that faith and love can bring.