HAPI-C Visit to Gaway-Gaway, Naga

On April 10, 2012, HAPI-C visited a hemophilia-afflicted family that has been members of HAPI-C since its early days in the late 1990’s. We decided to go to the Abatayo family’s home in Gaway-Gaway, Naga in Southern Cebu, since it has been months that we have heard last from the family. (In January 2012, Jacinto Abatayo was confined to the hospital as he had a cranial bleed, caused by his pre-existent epilepsy. Luckily, the bleeding subsided with the help of donated Factor Concentrate from Project Share, and also from the family’s purchased Cryo-Precipitate.)

Due to heavy traffic from the city area, HAPI-C arrived at their town already past sunset. It was very dark in the remote town and we had thought of going back to the city fearing we might get lost. Luckily, we spotted Jacinto at a stall selling food nearby. We then were introduced to the rest of the Abatayo family at their home.

 right photo: Jacinto Abatayo (center) with his father and brother Donald

Our visit also proved to be good timing, as the Abatayos’ extended family also happened to be there. Jacinto’s sister, nephews, and nieces were present during our trip. Jacinto’s sister Jeraldine, now married and living in a different home, was 6 months was pregnant. Her 12 year-old son Ernan John has hemophilia, like his maternal uncles Jacinto and Donald. Since she is a carrier of the hemophilia gene, her unborn child may also be a hemophiliac baby boy, or a carrier baby girl.

left photo: Jeraldine Sobremonte (in grey sweater) with her children and their grandmother

right photo: HAPI-C contact person Agnes Co with the Abatayo & Sobremonte family

HAPI-C contact person Agnes Co on her bus ride back home to Cebu city