Let’s help 18-month old Joel fight HUS disease

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Updates (4)

John Peter and Vanitha were very happy to see Joel in good health until he was 1.5 years old. Vanitha was pleased to hear Joel call her “Amma” and to believe that all the trauma she had experienced till now will not come back. However, very soon she and her family were devastated when they saw swellings all over Joel's body.

Trauma endured by John and Vanitha in the past: Joaquim, the elder son of John and Vanitha, was born after a year of their marriage. When Joaquim was 1.5 years of age, he started falling ill frequently. He was admitted to the hospital where he stayed for several months. His RBC and WBC reduced drastically and there was swelling in his kidneys and all over the body. Little Joaquim put up a brave front but died when he was 3 years old because of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Two years after Joaquim’s death, Joel was born.

When Joel was 1.5 years old, Vanitha noticed swellings all over his body. Joel’s parents took him to the hospital, and it was perceived that he was showing all the symptoms which led to his elder brother’s death.
Due to lack of finance, John (Joel’s father) sought treatment in a government hospital for him. He had to change to another government hospital since the reason behind fall in RBC and WBC count could not be detected. Eventually, John took Joel to Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital for treatment.

John says, “I still have to pay a bill of Rs. 1.5 lakh to the hospital. It has been over 15 days in the hospital, and our daily medical expenses run up to Rs. 10 – 13 thousand. People we know have been helping us but the treatment is going to cost us more than 3 lakh per month. I cannot afford it. All I can do is approach charitable trusts for aid and only pray for help to come...”

Joel’s present condition: Joel was diagnosed with aHUS, a typical hemolytic-uremic syndrome. It is an extremely rare disease which is genetic in origin. Joaquim, the elder brother of Joel, previously died of this disease. Joel is hemodynamically stable, has facial puffiness, low hemoglobin, and low platelet count. WBC and Protein get flushed out of his body constantly when he urinates. Joel is also having high Blood Pressure (>99th Centile). He has to take more than three anti-hypertensives to maintain his Blood Pressure.

Under treatment: Joel is being transfused FFP (Plasma) daily and requires a frequent blood transfusion for hemolysis.
Joel’s family belongs to the lower socioeconomic class. John had already spent around 8 lakhs to treat his elder son and lost him. Finance is the main hurdle for Joel’s further treatment now.

John says, “We can’t see Joel undergoing the same pain that his elder brother has gone through. We don’t want to lose him. Moreover, Vanitha is now pregnant and carrying a five- month baby. We are extremely worried about that baby also now.”

You are requested to kindly extend a helping hand to Joel and his family. Your kindness can give Joel life and the gift of happiness and smiles to him and his family.

Name of the child: Joel Alastair
Age: 1 year 6 months
Father’s name: John Peter
Mother’s name: Vanitha

Hospital address:
Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital,
Bed no 41, Ward no 9,
S.V. Road, Vile Parle (West)
Mumbai 400056
India

Details for direct bank transfer / UPI

UPI: givetojohnpeter@yesbankltd (Copy to clipboard)

Virtual account name: John Peter - Milaap
Account number: 8080811060819
IFSC code: YESB0CMSNOC

Click here to read the instructions before you make a bank transfer.

Letter from Nanavati Hospital

Details for direct bank transfer / UPI

UPI: givetojohnpeter@yesbankltd (Copy to clipboard)

Virtual account name: John Peter - Milaap
Account number: 8080811060819
IFSC code: YESB0CMSNOC

Click here to read the instructions before you make a bank transfer.

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23rd February 2019

Dear Donors,

Thank you to all the donors those who supported me in such a critical situation. By God's grace, my son is getting healed by all your support and prayers.

Thank you for all the support!

Thank you once again

Regards
John Peter

28th January 2019

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/after-first-babys-death-kin-of-infant-with-rare-blood-disorder-await-miracle/articleshow/67607783.cms
Dear supporters,
Baby Joel's report was published in Times of India. As far as Joel's health is concerned, there is a remarkable increase in his platelets, RBC and WBC count. We have done Genetic mapping for him. The results are expected to come within 4 to 6 weeks. Thank you for all your support and prayers. Continue to support him.

Times of India, 20th January 2019

18th January 2019

Dear supporters,

Thank you for all your support and prayers. Little Joel's health is improving. He used to take 6 doses for High Blood Pressure, today doctor has reduced the medicine to 5 doses.

A little swelling is there in his kidney, but showing improvement as per doctor's report. The doctor has sent his blood samples for Genetic mapping. It will take more than 4 weeks for the reports to come. Please uphold him in your prayers.

Tamil selvan and Jaskiran thanks for your support. May the Lord Jesus reward you greatly for all your selfless love.

God bless you all.