Rotary Partners Aid Young Girl

Here's the Story:

The family of 12 year-old Lei Francene Nuguid Vitug of the Philippines, born with a facial cleft, approached the Rotary Club of Mabalacut for help 4 years go. Unfortunately due to the high cost of surgery her case was set aside until the Club could find the funds for the surgery. Last year, the Club was fortunate that their sister Club, RC Cortlandt Manor had sent them funds raised by its Rotary Community Corp of Keon. The amount of P146T+ ($3500) will help defray part of the 2-3 stages of surgery which was estimated to cost around 200-300K pesos because of the titanium to be used for the skull.

One plastic surgeon agreed to do the surgery but unfortunately the doctor had to undergo cancer surgery and had to take a leave of absence from his medical practice. In December of 2014, the Club had a small mission that handled operations for 29 children with harelip and cleft palate. Gloria Nethercutt talked to the group of plastic surgeon and Dr. Hector Santos agreed to take the case. Because of the Christmas holidays, Lei Francene wasn’t seen by Dr. Santos until Thursday, January 15 at Angeles University Medical Center. Ms. Nethercutt and PP Tony Shilton went with Lei and her grandmother Elena to her doctor visit. She was given the approval to undergo a facial scan first to see what is really wrong. The Clubs provided the funds for this procedure.

The doctor said that the surgery will take place at the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila and he will meet with a team of plastic surgeons and neurologist after he gets the result of the 16 slices scan. Surgery will be done in March of 2015 during the school vacation since the patient has to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks. The RC Mabalacut is happy that Lei’s surgery is moving forward and thanks go out to sister Club RC Cortlandt Manor, New York for help with this Rotaplast project.