Mother pleads for help to save son with rheumatic heart disease

A mother relates she would rather take the pain if only the suffering of her son could be transferred to her.

Cristal Mae Gumpad Lardizabal Fernandez of Barangay Casigayan in Tabuk City is asking kind-hearted people to help her 14-year-old son afflicted with rheumatic heart disease survive his ordeal.

Cristal shared this after learning on August 8, 2022 that her boy, John Berchman Lardizabal Fernandez whose paternal roots is from Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan, needs heart surgery as soon as possible, as his condition is not getting better.

“Nu mabalbalin lang kuma nga maipasa iti ina [dayta sakit], maiyalisen tapnu isuna lattan. Ta nagubing, 14 years old pay lang ket adda iti kastoy nga sakit na,” Cristal expressed.

John’s condition

The story of John was first published on Guru Press Cordillera on November 29, 2021. At that time, it was recommended by a physician that John should undergo heart surgery.

However, when they went to the Heart Center in Manila, they were informed that John’s condition could still be managed through medication within 6 months. For this reason, the donation went to John’s medicines and regular check-ups.

Just when they thought everything was going fine, John’s case didn’t get better. It was discovered on August 8 that he has to be operated on as soon as possible.

Cristal conveyed she would take her son to surgery now; however, they do not have P897,892.00 for the procedure. She added their resources are already exhausted and they have no other source of income apart from her husband’s monthly salary abroad.

John as an active youth

Despite his condition, John remained active at their church and in the community, teaching children and participating in various activities. Cristal tried to slow him down from joining these events, but John would still go.

Even now that he should be preparing for his surgery, John still opted to come back to Tabuk City this August 7 to be able to join an activity at the church. John is also a diligent student. He is now in the 9th grade doing his schooling at Tabuk City National High School.

To donate, please contact the numbers below

Cristal is knocking at everyone’s heart for any amount that would help them raise the needed money for John’s immediate operation. To donate, you may send through Cristal’s GCash: 09618378149 or through Union Bank, 109816454670. You can also contact Cristal through 09774491763.

(Note: please do not send money to any unverified number or account as it may not go straight to the family in need.)

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