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By Lt. Arwen Chisholm
Pacific Partnership 2008 Public Affairs
USNS MERCY, At Sea -- A local child received potentially life-saving surgery aboard USNS Mercy on June 3.
Clarence Dacuycuy was watching television in her home in Cotabato City when she saw a news program about Mercy's upcoming visit to the Republic of the Philippines in support of Pacific Partnership 2008. She knew immediately that this was the chance for her to get some help for her 3-year-old son, Jose Angelo.
Angelo suffers from Hirschsprung's disease, which affects the colon. If left untreated, it can result in infections, bursting of the colon, and even death.
On May 30, Dacuycuy took her son to a Pacific Partnership health screening held at Cotabato Regional Health Center in Cotabato City. At the screening, Cmdr. Stephanie Kapfer, an orthopedic surgeon, knew immediately that the child needed help.
"Upon examination it was determined that he had some sort of bowel problem, and I brought him on board the next day to see if we could provide some treatment," said Kapfer.
Angelo was brought aboard the Mercy for surgery. His mother was "excited, but nervous" at the prospect of surgery.
"He is small for his age. I want him to grow up and be healthy and bigger," said Dacuycuy, "but I have told him about the surgery and that I will be by his side."
One difficulty with this surgery is the follow-on care that is required. Although Angelo requires two more surgeries for full recovery, that didn't stop Kapfer from taking the first step.
"When I saw him I knew immediately that this kid was sick and we had to do something, even if it was only the first step in what he ultimately needed to be treated and be normal," said Kapfer.
When it was determined that Angelo could receive treatment aboard the Mercy, Kapfer called Dr. Lito Chio, Angelo's pediatric surgeon from the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, and asked if he would like to join in the surgery. He agreed, and Kapfer and Chio performed surgery on Angelo.
"It was great working with Dr. Choi. He is an excellent surgeon and has a lot of experience. In the operating room, it was the normal surgeon to surgeon banter and academic discussion," said Kapfer.
After the surgery Dacuycuy said her son seemed noticeably healthier.
"He is more playful now, much improved," she said. "He is restless and wants to go home. He misses his brother very much."
The important follow-on medical care will be provided by Dr. Chio with the assistance of Dr. Andy DeRossi of the 3P Foundation. 3P Foundation is a non-governmental organization which uses humanitarian assistance to promote peace and prosperity among the most disadvantaged sectors of Philippine society.
"3P Foundation will make a donation to Cotabato General Hospital and in return they will make Angelo's operations possible," said DeRossi.
Angelo is currently aboard the Mercy recovering from surgery. His mother said she is very thankful to Pacific Partnership and the crew of the Mercy for his new found health.
"It is because of the staff of the Mercy that Angelo is good," she said.
The cooperation between U.S. Navy medicine, a local health care provider and a non-governmental organization to provide Angelo care demonstrates the spirit of Pacific Partnership 2008.
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2008 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 20354 |
| Location: | ABOARD USNS MERCY, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 173 |
| Downloads: | 170 |
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