Heidi Gano

Hi! My name is Heidi. I am fundraising for my friend and a fellow trisomy mama in the Philippines. Her 11-month-old baby Potpot is at the Philippine Children's Medical Center, diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a rare genetic condition, and Cerebral Atrophy. After months in the ICU and a tracheostomy, she’s finally stable enough to go home but needs essential medical equipment to make that possible. She is asking for help since there is no way they could afford it. Her family’s biggest wish is to celebrate her first birthday at home. This is her Message: Help Baby Caitlyn Brielle “Potpot” Come Home — Our Little Fighter’s Journey of Hope Hello everyone, My name is Katrina Joyce Boticario, and I’m the mother of Baby Caitlyn Brielle Opalia, lovingly called Potpot: our precious little fighter and source of strength. Since birth, Potpot has been in and out of the hospital due to several health challenges. In July, she was admitted to the ICU because of breathing difficulties and needed to be intubated. A few months after a series of tests, she was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) and Cerebral Atrophy. Trisomy 13 is a rare genetic condition where a baby is born with an extra chromosome, causing severe developmental and health complications that affect the brain, heart, and other vital organs. Cerebral Atrophy, on the other hand, means there is a loss or shrinkage of brain tissue, which affects movement, muscle tone, and overall development. Despite these serious challenges, Potpot continues to fight courageously every single day. Recently, she underwent a tracheostomy to help her breathe more comfortably. By God’s grace, she’s slowly becoming more stable, and our greatest hope is to finally bring her home; surrounded by love and care. To make that possible, she will need several medical items at home such as: Respiratory Humidifier Oxygen Tanks Suction Machine Pulse Oximeter • And other essential supplies for her daily care. Potpot will be celebrating her 1st birthday next month, and our family’s simple wish is to celebrate this special milestone at home. A place filled with love, warmth, and hope. While caring for Potpot, our family faced another heartbreaking challenge. My husband, Renan was diagnosed with the Miller Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affected his vision and mobility. Because of his condition, he has not been able to return to work, leaving our family in a very difficult situation. Despite everything, we continue to hold on to faith and hope — believing that with love, prayer, and the kindness of others, we can overcome these trials. We are humbly asking for your help. Any amount, big or small, will make a difference in helping Potpot finally come home to her family, where she belongs and to celebrate her first birthday surrounded by love. Every donation is hope. Every prayer is strength. Thank you so much for your love, support, and kindness for Baby Potpot and our family.