Baby Jonathan needs your help

Jonathan Caliz was born to Virginia Caliz on January 21, 2011 at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. At birth, he was diagnosed with Thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia, pronounced (THROM-bo-si-to-PE-ne-ah) is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of blood cell fragments called platelets (PLATE-lets). Platelets are made in your bone marrow along with other kinds of blood cells. They travel through your blood vessels and stick together (clot) to stop any bleeding that may happen if a blood vessel is damaged.

The duration of this condition depends on its cause. It can range from days to years. Thrombocytopenia can be fatal, especially if the bleeding is severe or occurs in the brain. However, the overall outlook for individuals who have the condition is good, especially if the cause of the low platelet count is found and treated.

Jonathan Caliz was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the KHMH for about a month after birth. In Belize he underwent Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound of the abdomen and blood transfusions. After being at the KHMH in the ICU and spending about 5 days on life support, doctors were unable to distinguish the cause of Baby Jonathan’s condition. As a result, it was suggested that baby Jonathan seek medical attention abroad. In an effort to obtain the medical attention needed at a more economic rate, the family has decided to take Baby Jonathan to neighboring Guatemala.

Initial tests have been performed on Baby Jonathan in Guatemala and while doctors have managed to stabilize Jonathan’s platelets count, his blood count has dropped drastically. To date, Jonathan’s medical expenses in Guatemala totaled an approximate US$20,000.00. This would only cover the diagnostic phase of the testing while maintaining Baby Jonathan stabilized.
To date, two fundraisers have been held, 1 Bar-B-Q sale at the Central Park; food sale organized by the Adventist Church. A portion of the proceeds from Super G children’s Disco organized by Ms. Debbie Spain has been pledged towards medical expenses of Baby Jonathan.

Virginia Caliz is making a formal plea to the general public for any financial assistance that could be made. An account has been set up at the Belize Bank. Donations can be made to Account#230421 in the name of Virginia Caliz. If you want to help in any form please contact Virginia at 605-4086.