Pinoys in Bahrain Raise Funds for Sick Baby

Filipinos in Bahrain are rallying around a one-month-old baby girl born there who was found to be suffering from a congenital heart defect.

 On Nov. 14, the Filipino community in Bahrain raised BD800 (P95,327) for Cathness Margaret de Guzman, Bahrain news site Gulf Daily News reported.

 Cathness was born in Bahrain with a condition that “causes deoxygenated blood to bypass her lungs,” the report said.

 She underwent emergency surgery at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City last week. She is now in stable condition. Her parents, who have already spent more than BD5,000 (P595,794) for her treatment, now need more funds for her aftercare and medication.

‘Pinoy Fiesta Bahrain’

 Last week, a “Pinoy Fiesta Bahrain” was held for Cathness at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. The event helped raise more than BD800.

 One of the organizers, Annette Avila, said that of the amount, BD500 (P59,579) had been sent to Cathness’ parents Allen and Rechel Magalong de Guzman.

Avila said the remaining BD311 (P37,058) raised will go to buying Christmas gifts for Filipinos sheltered at the Philippine Embassy. Most of them are former domestic workers who were abused by their employers.

(Source: Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News)