Sexagenarian seeks medical support

REACHING OUT

From their home in Buguias, Benguet, couple Reynaldo and Nita Bentadan moved in 2009   to a rented room here in Baguio where he found work as a driver.  The transfer was hardly convenient, yet proved practical when, in September, 2012, she was diagnosed for total kidney failure and needed to be near the dialysis machines to prolong her life.

Two of their six children – Reynaldo Jr., 24 and a laborer, and Jackielyn, 19 and a high school graduate – still live with them, while the four others stayed behind in the vegetable belt of Benguet.

In a report, social welfare officer Jeterda Junio noted that Nita, now 65,k began her life-time thrice-a-week hemodialysis treatment in September, 2012 at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

“Unfortunately, client does not have the means to provide for her treatment (and that) her children seldom extend financial assistance because they have no permanent sources of income, being seasonal (vegetable) gardeners in Buguias,” Junio observed.

Complicating the family’s woes is Reynaldo’s need for maintenance medication for diabetes and hypertension.

Nita was advised to have three dialysis treatments a week but the constant pressure of having raise at least P2,200 for every session forced her to whittle the schedule  down to two per week, scheduled at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

She has exhausted all support, including those coming from charity institutions such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Last December, she asked that her medical ordeal be published, hoping Samaritans out there would read and reach out to her. The publication of her appeal, however, was delayed due to the big number of similarly situated patients who were ahead in seeking help through the media.

People who would like to help may ring up Nita’s number – 09477047361. – Ramon Dacawi