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Nell Lagman wrote:"I have read a newsprint from Mrs.Emily Sarmiento of Sapang Bato High School regarding her son's operation by the help from BOES.ORG/InternetLifeline, and it gave me hope for my son's condition. I looked for her and we personally met. It took me six months after I wrote this letter because I tried seeking help with other foundations and government agencies but until this time my son's papers are still pending. I took courage in writing this letter with hope and leaving it to God that BOES.ORG will respond and I fervently pray someone would give a glance reading my plea for help for my son Joshua." "I am Nell Lagman 29 yrs old, with three kids my youngest son Joshua was diagnoses with Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmunary Stenosis. He is 10 months old now. According to his Pediatric Cardiologist Dr.Concepcion Uy-Santos (Philippine Heart Center) he must undergo open heart surgery at the age of three years old at the maximum. Meaning, the operation could be done earlier depending on his condition. He is susceptible to infection, has occasional flu and fever but despite these, he fight his condition." "Joshua is remarkable kid for his age he wants to be a normal kid who could laugh with his older brother & sister. Joshua is taking Lanoxin, Furocymide and Aldactone. He undergoes regular check up at the Philippine Heart Center." "I work on irregular basis since my son was diagnosed with this Congenital Heart Disease and my husband was forced to leave the country as an overseas contract worker in Saudi Arabia to support our son's frequent hospitalization cost every time he gets sick which makes it difficult for us to raise money for operation cost here in the Philippine with no definite date." "I plea for help to give my Joshua a normal life.I have attached here Joshua's 2D echo result for your review. My husband & I would be forever grateful giving our son to live a normal life. Very truly yours," Nell Lagman, Magalang Pampanga, Philippines 2003 Updates Jul. 17, 2003 - Nell Lagman wrote: "Joshua is 10 months old now and still underweight at 6.6 kg. We are still praying that we he will be considered for operation in the soonest time possible." Jul. 30, 2003 - Nell Lagman wrote: "Good morning Sir. Considering that so many people seek help from your foundation, my heart is overwhelmed that you are giving my son Joshua's case a glance for consideration. I fervently pray and hope for any medical assistance you can give and share for my son's life. I just read your reply awhile ago becasue I just reported for work since Joshua's had fever and cough. He's taking medication now from his Pediatrician Dra.Maura David of Angeles City. Regarding the medical files, I'll do my best to submit them on your office as soon as possible for you to assess Joshua's case." Aug. 4, 2003 - Check-up at the Philippine Heart Center for preparation of the medical files to be sent to Gift of Life. Aug. 7, 2003 - Medical files sent to Gift of Life for evaluation. Findings by Dr. Emy Collado is Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) and not Tetralogy of Fallot. Aug. 12, 2003 - Nell Lagman wrote: "Thank you so much for the effort and support during the preparation of Joshua's digital PC-files. Currently, Joshua still taking lanoxin, altactone & furocimide. In his innocence I often tell him "He will be operated soon", he replied with a "smile" as if he senses "new life"! My tears fall during those times if only I could give my life to him for replacement I've done it! For now, we will wait and pray!" Aug. 20, 2003 - "Joshua will celebrate his 1st Birthday on September 3,2003.Thank God 'no sign of spells' although he's still underweight at 6.8kg for his age. He is a jolly and active kid as if he has no problem with regard to his health. How I wish he could grow normal just like his brother and sister but sometimes it frightens me flashing the word from Dr, Collado that a patient of her died without immediate treatment after reaching one year of age but definitely I know God never sleeps. I beg for help for my son's case. I have attached here the information sheet for your review." Oct. 30, 2003 - Joshua was hospitalized Oct. 21 to 25 due to broncho-pneumonia at a local hospital in Angeles City. Pedicatrician recommended cardiac catheterization within the year at Phil. Heart Center. Nov. 8, 2003 - Joshua's case was presented to a doctor at Columbia Presbyterian Children's Hospital. He is interested in working with us but is not sure if the administration will agree to our terms. Nov. 20, 2003 - Joshua was diagnosed with Primary Complex and taking PZA-CIBA, Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Erythromycin. Treatment is for the next six months. His other medications include Aldactone, Furocimide and Lanoxin, and vitamins. Dec. 19, 2003 - Nell Lagman is quitting her job to attend to Joshua full-time. 2004 Updates May 18, 2004 - Joshua's charts were approved at Deborah Hospital. Surgery is scheduled for July 6, 2004. Gift of Life wrote: Joshua Lagman has been approved and scheduled for surgery at Deborah Hospital. He is to be admitted to the hospital on July 6, 2004. May 22, 2004 - Nell lagman wrote: "My happiness is unsurmountable upon learning and confirmed from Ma'am Emy Sarmiento that my son Joshua was one of the lucky applicants to undergo free medical assistance and surgery sponsored by Gift of Life.Truly you're all an angel from above that God sent us to give Joshua a second chance to live a normal life. I was very grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for this answered prayer and also a greatest gift for Joshua's second birthday." "My apology for not sending you an e-mail at once, I was forced to resign to give Joshua full attention because of his frequent trips to the hospital." "About Joshua's condition,he's fine but I can't say that he's in good health because he's sickly and underweight. He's taking a few steps but as expected he easily get tired. As of now he's taking Aldactone, Furicimide and Lanoxin for maintenance and a monthly check-up at the Phil. Heart Center." "Again and again your help is very much appreciated and will be remembered for the rest of our lives." June 10, 2004 - Change in surgery date from July 6 to July 20, 2004. Surgery is still at Deborah Hospital. Most likely hosts will be the Patel family. Visa letters sent by Gift of Life are already with Nell Lagman as hand-carried by EJ's mother Len Balino. June 17, 2004 - Travel documents are now being prepared. Fit to Fly Certificate was prepared and signed by Dr. Emy Collado and the Parental Travel Permit was already secured from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Lagmans are also trying to apply for the Northwest Kidcares Program. Interview at the US Embassy in Manila is being scheduled earliest on August 23, 2004 which is too late for scheduled surgery on July 20, 2004. Early appointment request was submitted to US Embassy for reconsideration. June 21, 2004 - Interview at US Embassy today. Request for early appointment was approved by the embassy. June 22, 2004 - US Visas for Nell and Joshua Lagman were temporarily refused. The consul needs to see a medical certificate signed by a US doctor that Joshua's chart was evaluated. The certificate is being requested from Deborah Hospital by Gift of Life. The Lagmans can go back anytime to submit this document and hopefully the visas will be issued. June 28, 2004 - Interview again at US Embassy regarding additional requirements submitted by Deborah Hospital. July 2, 2004 - Gift of Life wrote to Deborah Hospital requesting for the medical certificate proving that Joshua Lagman's charts were evaluated by a US doctor. July 6, 2004 - Deborah Hospital faxed the Medical Certificate to the US Embassy in Manila. July 12, 2004 - US Visas were issued to Nell and Joshua Lagman. July 14, 2004 - Visas are still with the official courier of the US Embassy. Nell Lagman couldn't purchas plane tickets yet. Temorary booking on July 17, 2004 with Northwest Airlines. Joshua wasn't able to get a flight sponsorship from the NWA Kidcares Program. The Lagman family will have to raise the airfare. July 16, 2004 - US Visas have arrived. The Lagmans are booked for Sunday flight, July 18, 2004. Flight itineraries are as follows: July 18 Sun NWA Flight 72 Manila - Detroit (17 hour flight with stop at Nagoya) Depart 0640H Arrive 1150 July 18 Sun NWA Flight 256 Detroit to Newark (1 hr. 43 min flight non-stop - Liberty Int'l Airport) Depart 1341H Arrive 1524H July 21, 2004 - Joshua was admitted at Deborah Hospital as scheduled. Nell and Joshua are adjusting pretty well. Joshua underwent 2D Echo, X-Ray, and EKG. Surgery is scheduled for Monday morning, July 26, 2004. July 27, 2004 - Joshua's surgery was postponed due to fever and cough. Rescheduled at the earliest on July 28, 2004. Joshua was released from the hospital and the Lagmans are back at the host family in Paramus, New Jersey. Joshua is tentatively scheduled to be readmitted on Monday, August 2, 2004 if the fever is gone and no other symptoms develop. 
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