(In photo: Life-Changing Surgery Program Manager John Howe had the opportunity to meet little Enrico, who greeted him enthusiastically with a warm hug—a scene that brought her mother to tears.)

 

Raising a child with special needs is never easy, and Jenalyn knew this all too well.

Jenalyn, 26, had a lot of challenges raising her three children. Her eldest son, Enrico Ladiao, who was eight years old, had Down syndrome and asthma and was born with an imperforate anus, making it hard for him to pass stool.

Doctors advised Enrico’s parents to have him operated on as soon as possible after birth, but they couldn’t afford it. Jenalyn’s husband is a government vehicle project-based driver and doesn’t earn much, while she is a plain housewife. They had two other children to take care of, and with the bills piling up, they couldn’t see a way out.

Despite his medical challenges, Enrico was a cheerful and diligent child who always did his best to help his mother around the house. “He loves washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, and arranging the closet,” Jenalyn shared.

Jenalyn knew that Enrico’s medical conditions would make it difficult for him to lead a normal life, but she never gave up hope that one day he would be able to live without the constant struggles of his illnesses. She prayed every day for a miracle that would allow her son to be healthy and happy, just like any other kid.

One day, when Jenalyn was watching the Holy Week Special of Tanikala, which featured Operation Blessing’s humanitarian services, she felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in years. She knew that this could be the answer to her prayers.

Few weeks later, she received a call from Operation Blessing informing her that Enrico would receive special assistance through its Life-Changing Surgery (LCS) Project.

After an OB staff accompanied them to consult a specialist in the Tebow CURE Hospital, Enrico was referred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao. “The doctor said the surgery would be life-changing for Enrico and would greatly improve his quality of life,” Jenalyn said. “I am grateful to Operation Blessing for providing this medical intervention for my son.”

With Enrico’s coming surgery, Jenalyn is full of hope and is seeking prayers for Enrico.

If you want to bless other kababayans in need of a #LifeChangingSurgery, please visit www.operationblessing.ph. Stay tuned to our website and social media pages for updates on our LCS patients.