THIS STRONG BABY GIRL SURVIVED KAWASAKI DISEASE!

She was admitted at Olivarez General Hospital in Parañaque on the 9th of January year 2020 for having on and off fever, having no appetite, a swollen right lymph node and for having cough and colds since the 6th of the same month. We were really not planning on taking her to the hospital since we thought it's just a normal fever or maybe it's just because she's teething but, there's this something inside of me, mother's instinct I guess, that just wouldn't let me sleep so I just went and took her to the hospital.

On January 11, she was diagnosed with Basal Pneumonia and UTI, however, despite taking antibiotics and paracetamol, her fever--which was still on and off ranging from 38.0°C-39.4°C--lasted for a few more days. Rashes on her back, arms and knees started showing up by that time as well, and both of her eyes and lips were beginning to get dry and become as red as strawberries.

Confused as to why her fever didn't go away, her Pedia (Dr. Neil Orteza) instructed to have her CBC retested because he thinks that my baby's illness might also be Kawasaki Disease based on the other symptoms that we've observed. Morning of the 13th, her 7th day of on and off fever, her blood test showed a 110mm/hr ESR result which was way above the normal range. It should only range from 0-20mm/hr for baby girls, so it kinda served as a confirmation that she really has Kawasaki Disease. Dr. Orteza informed and warned us that she needs to take IVIG vials through infusion as soon as possible or at least before the 10th day of her fever or else, it's possible that she'll have complications that will affect her heart which can even lead to death. (Imagine the trauma it caused my family, specially me and her dad 😭💔).

Right then and there we had to come up with P55,000 to buy 5 vials of IVIG (required vials of IVIG depends on the patient's weight. She was just 11kgs at the time so she only needed 22.5ml). We also had to find a direct supplier that sells it at a much cheaper price as it was not available at the hospital's pharmacy and we're on a really tight budget.

Time was ticking and my baby was not getting any better. Luigi and I were both frantic, scared of what might happen to our little girl. We were holding back our tears as we try to solicit money. We have our savings but it was still not enough to buy what was needed. This disease is rare and there is no known cause for it so I couldn't help asking God why did it have to be my baby? She's our family's joy, OUR life. She's very sweet, active and smart. She didn't deserve it. But I guess it's just His way of reminding us not to take time for granted. To always, ALWAYS cherish the moments we have with these little angels and be thankful that we get to experience being parents.

Thankfully, my aunt lent us an additional P35,000 and my mom's friends donated as well so we were able to get enough money to buy all 5 vials and find a supplier before the day ended. The vials were given to our little girl by night time of the 13th and voila! ✨ The next day, my baby girl was already feeling better, slowly getting back to her old self and really showed a big improvement. 

This wouldn't be possible if not for those who've been a big part of this journey and didn't think twice to help. So shoutout to our family who contributed, Tito Gerry and specially my tita Chriz who rushed to the hospital as soon as she heard about Irie's condition. Mama Lorena and Tita Nora for taking care of Irie while we went to work on the first days, my Lolo Danny and Lola Lydia for cooking for us and making sure we're stuffed. To our friends, our family's friends, who contribute money, to those who prayed for our baby's fast recovery, to those who visited and constantly checked on her through social media, to our bosses who were very understanding about our absences, to Dr. Orteza and the nurses who were very, VERY patient and really monitored our baby's progress from time to time. THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE CHANCE TO BE WITH OUR BABY LONGER. WE REALLY OWE YOU GUYS A LOT.

To us parents, it's better to be overprotective when it comes to your child than to see them in pain while you can't do anything to ease it. Don't mind what others will tell you, you know what's best for your baby. Let this experience be a lesson to us all and ALWAYS trust your instincts.