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Hi, my name is Chona. Originally from the Philippines, I now live in Australia. I'm reaching out with a humble request for your support, on behalf of my family who live in the Philippines.
My five-month-old niece Mia was born with a heart condition called Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), a very rare and life-threatening condition. It is an abnormality in the heart that developed before birth. Some of Mia issues include:
- Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) - is where the aorta connects to the right ventricle instead of the left ventricle.
- Large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - a large hole between the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.
- Malposed Great Arteries - is where the aorta & pulmonary arteries, the two major blood vessels leaving the heart, are not in their normal positions.
The medical issue with Mia began on April 16, 2025. Since then, my family have been actively seeking ways to help Mia and in turn her parents. After consultations with healthcare professionals, it became evident three major procedures were crucial for my niece's overall well-being, so as to increase her life span. Based on the specialist's statement, without surgery Mia's life span will only four years.
Mia urgently needs three separate heart surgeries in total to survive. They are:
- Pulmonary Artery Banding (PAB). This needs to be done before Mia is eight months old;
- Glenn Shunt procedure needs to be done between 1-2 years-of-age;
- Fontan procedure needs to be done before 3-4 years-of-age.
Due to financial constraints and the high cost of medical procedures in the Philippines (similar to the USA), my family are unable to bear the full cost of the required medical services for Mia.
For us to proceed with the surgeries required for Mia, we are seeking your financial support. Every donation large or small will help ease the enormous financial burden on her parents and bring us closer to saving her life.
With your support and kindness, we are hoping to raise at least $30,000 to help cover some of the costs for:
- Three surgery procedures
- Hospital stays and specialised medical care and the doctor’s professional fee’s
- Lifesaving medications and necessary medical equipment
- Travel and accommodation for treatments away from home (Mia is not allowed to fly so travel is by ferry)
- Ongoing aftercare and recovery support
Attached are copies of relevant medical records, doctor’s recommendations, and a breakdown of the treatment and medication costs. We would be pleased to provide any additional documents or information you may require in support of this request.
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraising request to help us reach more people.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support and prayers during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity will help extend Mia’s life.
With sincere gratitude
Chona, on behalf of my family
Chona Lonzaga DEMPSEY (née Olila)
May 2025
