Between 06:46 and 06:57 (GMT+8) this morning, Tina sent text messages to my mobile phone and home computer. She was worried, having previously sent texts which I had not received.
The condition of Tina's asthmatic nephew Kian, 18 months old, had improved as a result of his receiving oxygen treatment during his two-day stay in the private Malaya Doctors Hospital in Santa Cruz, Laguna. He had been referred from the local government hospital because it lacked a heart specialist.
The cardiologist had wanted the boy to remain in hospital and undergo an echocardiographic examination "to find the diagnosis." The family could no longer afford to keep him there, however, so [with funds from me] they had paid the hospital bill of 4,500 pesos and taken him home.
I replied requesting clarification.
I also expressed my distress that there was still no diagnosis and alarm at the prospect of immediate further expense which I also could not afford.
"Many times I've begged Filipinos to register with [the charitable websites] betterplace.org and kiva.org but that has not happened", I said.
There was no response from Tina. Probably she was extremely busy helping to prepare breakfast for the extended family and perhaps customers, and preparing to leave for the food technology training course she was required to attend.
Almost half an hour later I said "Tina, I would appreciate a response if you're not too busy and have enough credit load"; but I did not hear from her again.
It remains to be seen how Kian will fare at home without oxygen equipment to remedy his breathing difficulties and without a final diagnosis.
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