ALCANTARA FAMILY ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE. Good afternoon. This is an appeal to the Philippine Government for financial support to ALS patients from the Philippines for their medical needs. I am Cecil Alcantara Dela Cruz. I am 49 years old, married with two offspring. My husband is a driver on call. I am from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. I was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig Disease last October 2012. I started to have slurred speech. On October 2013, I experienced further weakness on my extremities, difficulty ambulating, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and easy fatigability. I was advised to have PEG installation. But due to financial constraint I was not able to undergo the procedure. I experience further weakness and was forced to undergo PEG insertion. Last August 28, 2014, I underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or PEG insertion for my feeding. I thank my family, relatives and friends who sponsored my various laboratory and clearance tests, hospitalization and installation procedures. My family’s resources have been depleted in managing my disease since I was diagnosed. My doctors told me I will need more medical procedures like Tracheostomy and others in the future. I appeal for financial assistance to all generous Filipinos who donate through ice bucket challenge to directly give to Filipino ALS patients like me because if it will be coursed through ALS association or organizations abroad, it takes a long process and a lot of documents are needed before ALS patients receive assistance. I already sent my appeal to the ALS Association International through their website but up to now, I don’t receive any response. Please consider donating to the ALS patients personally. I challenge the Department of Health, the DSWD, and the Senate Health Committee to give support to ALS patients in the Philippines. I also challenge the Church to participate in this challenge. Thank you. ☺
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:09:42 +0000