Hi everyone, my name is Rosane Encarnacion. I’m reaching out on behalf of my friend, Rhiza Omboy and her son, Gabriel who are going through a difficult time right now.
Gabriel has been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that weakens his immune system and blood clotting ability. Rhiza has 4 kids, but 2 boys passed away in 2016 and 2021 due to the same disorder. Now, she is determined to do anything to save his son’s life. They have been in Maryland for a month now, and they are grateful because NIH Clinical Center sponsored their medical treatment, including their medical visa but they need extra funds for their daily expenses. They barely know anyone in the country, so they have limited access to anything including banks and transportation.
Gabriel will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) but this
long and difficult journey—expected to last nearly 13 months. Rhiza humbly come to you, not just as a mother, but as someone who has already experienced the unimaginable pain of losing two children to the very same illness. Gabriel is her only hope now, and she is clinging to every moment with him, praying for healing, for strength, and for a miracle.
Though his medical care is covered, she is struggling to meet their daily living needs—expenses for food, transportation to and from the hospital, and other basic essentials. These costs are mounting, and weigh heavily on her during this already overwhelming time.
With a mother’s heart full of hope and humility, she is reaching out to ask for your help. Any amount of support you can give—no matter how small—will go directly towards helping them survive as Gabriel bravely fights for his life during this incredibly difficult time.
Please keep Gabriel in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness, generosity, and compassion mean more to them than words could ever express.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
With love and hope,
Rhiza and Gabriel