UAE: Filipina Teen, 13, Battles Life-Threatening Illness; Parents Seek Aid for Mounting Medical Costs

Photo : Khaleej time

Filipina Teen Struggles with Life-Threatening Illness in UAE; Family Appeals for Support Amid Financial Strain

In the UAE, a 13-year-old Filipina named Fatima Pancho Lobaton is battling a severe illness, while her second foster parents are grappling with financial difficulties due to her lack of residency visa and health insurance. Fatima's plight began during the Eid festivities when she fell seriously ill, experiencing seizures, facial swelling, and widespread inflammation affecting her organs and tissues. She has been intubated for several days, unable to speak or move her right side.

Despite these challenges, Fatima remains resilient, a trait she has developed from facing adversity at a young age. Her foster parents are tirelessly advocating for her, but they face daunting medical bills without the support of health insurance or a residency visa.

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Fatima's health crisis unfolded during Ramadan, marked by swelling in her eyes, fatigue, skin rashes, fever, joint pain, and difficulty passing urine. On April 9, her condition worsened significantly, with her entire face swelling and an inability to move her extremities. Rushed to the hospital in Ajman, her vital signs were low, and her organs were failing. Doctors diagnosed her with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease attacking her organs and tissues.

Despite receiving proper medical care, the mounting expenses have become a burden for Fatima's foster parents. They appeal to compassionate individuals for help and prayers as Fatima's condition remains life-threatening, exacerbated by the absence of medical insurance and a residency visa.

Fatima's turbulent journey began in 2019 when efforts were made to locate her biological mother, who abandoned her at just two months old. Without official documentation, she couldn't attend school or access healthcare. She found refuge with a Filipina and Pakistani couple before being taken in by her current foster parents in Ajman.

Through the perseverance of her second foster parents, Fatima's identity was established, and her mother located. However, her mother's abandonment led to legal and financial challenges, with Fatima left without a residency visa. Despite these hardships, Fatima remains a devout Muslim, known for her kindness and passion for learning.

Despite the setbacks, Fatima's foster parents are determined to provide her with the care and support she needs. They urge the community to come together to assist Fatima in her fight against her illness and alleviate their financial burden, allowing her to receive the treatment she desperately needs.