May, 2013—Three months after baby John was delivered at our partner’s maternity clinic in the Philippines, he returned with an eye so swollen that even the medical staff was shocked.
John’s delivery itself was like a miracle in a region where countless mothers and newborns die because of childbirth complications at home. The baby’s only health concern appeared to be a simple eye infection.
But three months later, John was back.
John’s left eye had gone untreated—it was painfully enlarged. Without medical assistance, the baby would lose both eyes. John’s mother was desperate for help.
“He only cries and sleeps,” she told the clinic staff. “He is in so much pain.” John needed to see a specialist in Manila, but his family couldn’t afford to make the 500-kilometer journey to the country’s capital city.
“My heart almost broke to see this sweet little boy hurting,” said Georgia Macad, the director of the maternity clinic.”With the help of Samaritan’s Purse Canada we decided to take on his case and get him the help he needed.”
With your support and our partner’s help, John’s family traveled to Manila where a doctor diagnosed his condition as congenital glaucoma and agreed to do the vital surgery for a reduced rate. Praise God, who “works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103:6, NIV).
“The family is so thankful for your support,” Macad said. “Without it, John would still be in excruciating pain and would have eventually lost the use of both eyes.”
The critical and ongoing medical needs of children like John and their families are being met through our partner’s maternity clinic. Pregnant mothers are now receiving compassionate pre- and post-natal care, and women are being trained as midwives for their communities.
Yet there are many who still suffer or even die without medical care in this region. Unfortunately, during John’s most recent check-up at the maternity center, Macad found out the pressure in his eye is building again. There is no other option except another surgery.
Such are the complexities and realities of child health problems around the world. Please continue to help in Jesus’ name.
Your gift can help women in poor, rural communities give birth to healthy babies and raise them wisely. Samaritan’s Purse not only trains local birth attendants in areas where mothers often have no access to medical care during pregnancy and delivery, but also provides parenting training, transportation to hospitals, vitamins, and more.