31/10/2024
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This verse reminds us that through faith and reliance on God, we can find the strength to face challenges and overcome obstacles. It can serve as a source of hope and inspiration during difficult times, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Last October 27, I met the Cruz Family once again after the successful liver transplant of Flynn.
Flynn is one of the beneficiaries of our second Color Run. Although our run did not provide the full amount needed for his transplant as we fell short of our goal due to not reaching the required number of runners, our NGO, Briseis Liver2Hold Organization INC.,never let the family down. We did everything we could to assist them in reaching the transplant goal.
On June 16, they flew to India to Apollo Hospitals Delhi for the liver transplant. We had completed all the necessary preparations for Flynn's transplant.
I want to express my gratitude to the two foundations, Oracle and Bild Foundations, as well as to Congressman Erwin for providing free airfare and accommodations. Also, a special thanks to the BL2H family for their dedication in assisting the Cruz family in India.
Upon their arrival in India, evaluations and work-ups for both the donor and recipient were conducted. Flynn was scheduled for the transplant, but we were waiting for the grant from one foundation, as per their procedures. Apollo Hospital intervened to proceed with the transplant even though the full payment had not been made since Flynn's health was deteriorating due to sepsis affecting his heart function. He underwent the liver transplant on July 29, 2024, with a pacemaker inserted to aid his heartbeat during the operation. Thankfully, the transplant was successful despite the complications.
After 11 days, another complication arose, requiring Flynn to undergo another operation. Following 25 days in the hospital, Flynn was finally discharged after a successful liver transplant. However, he experienced ascites (water in the abdomen) again, and Apollo Hospital worked to identify the cause of this issue. The Cruz Family was initially supposed to return to the Philippines on September 15, but Flynn needed more time in India to address his health concerns, resulting in a rebooking and their victorious return on October 27.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who prayed for Flynn’s health. Above all, the power of prayer to the Almighty God made Flynn's healing possible. Despite the complexities of his condition, particularly the heart problem, the Apollo Hospital team and the family did not give up.
I would like to thank the Apollo Hospital Liver Transplant team led by DrNeerav Goyal for their skillful care and dedication, and our dear group medical director Dr Anupam Sibal for extending assistance to Flynn even when his hospital resources were exhausted. My prayers go out for Apollo Hospital, that they may continue to be a channel of healing under God's grace and guidance.
The moral lesson here is to never tire of being kind to others, as even small acts of kindness can mean the world to someone. The battle was not easy, but overcoming it can inspire others to face their own challenges.
Please continue to support Briseis Liver2Hold Organization Inc. in raising awareness to help more people fighting liver disease. Additionally, kindly support our Color Fun Run BL2H Org Inc Events “Shades of Healing”, as establishing its recognition in the running community will enable us to save more lives from this deadly illness.
