Parents ask for help with operation for their 7 year old daughter

Santiago—Relatives of a 7-year-old girl who is struggling with a serious disease called Cavernomatous Portal Degeneration are asking for help from the central government and other sectors of society for an emergency intervention to correct esophageal varices that will allow their daughter to continue to survive.

The parents of the minor, Robert Linares and Katherine Polanco Veloz, said that in consultation with local doctors and the doctors of the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Colombia, who have recommended this portosystemic bypass surgery or tips as the only option to improve her health and quality of life.

However, they stated that the cost of this operation is approximately US$30,000.00, which is increased by travel, food, and lodging expenses, which they assure is beyond their financial reach.

“This disease is caused by issues of very premature birth and so far has been treated with palliative treatments such as ligation of esophageal varices to prevent them from bleeding again, but this condition every day adds more varices that increase the risk of bleeding that can occur at any time and can compromise her life,” they explained.

Robert Linares and Katherine Polanco Veloz, residents of the Villa Olímpica sector of this city, stated that they will do everything in their power so that their daughter recovers her health.

“As parents, our highest priority is the well-being and health of our beloved Alía. We are willing to do everything in our power to provide her with the care she needs, but the financial burden is overwhelming for our family. At this moment because we have had to perform 2 additional palliative procedures of sutures for varicose veins which is not covered by the Health Insurance we have,” they said.

They said it had been a very heavy burden on their budget for the medications and food they must carry for their daughter, stating that they have had to spend all their savings and appeal to the charity of many family members and acquaintances.

“We understand that we all face challenges in life, and asking for help is not easy. However, we believe in the power of community and human compassion. Any support you can provide will be a huge blessing to our family and especially to Alia Maria,” added the child’s parents.

Any support you can provide can be made through the BHD Bank savings account, No. 21854870013, or by calling 829-259-1973 and 849-851-5441.