I will always be grateful to Gulf News, says Ethan’s father
Anonymous donor gave Dh500,000 to save his son after reading story published in newspaper
Reader Interactivity Journalist
It has been a rollercoaster year for the Meneses family. When Romeo Meneses looked at his tiny baby for the first time a year ago, he was overjoyed to see his son. But he knew the next few months were going to be tough for them.
Ethan, was born at just 23 weeks and 4 days — and weighed just 650 grams. He almost didn’t make it and his parents were prepared for the worst. With hospital bills mounting, the Meneses’ were helpless.
However, a “miracle” in the form of an anonymous donor, helped the family in their time of need, after reading a Gulf News story on Ethan’s plight.
“I will always be grateful to Gulf News,” said Meneses, in an interview.
Baby Ethan celebrated his first birthday last week. And while he is doing much better, there is still a long way to go.
Meneses speaking about their trying 12-month journey, said: “We prayed together and so did our friends. We kept our faith.”
He said their family turned to God to help save baby Eathan’s life.
“It is really a miracle because Ethan survived despite several complications and the many operations he’s been through.”
When Ethan was born premature, ■ he was immediately put in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Prime Hospital. He faced many complications, including bleeding in the brain, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, inguinal hernia, neonatal convulsions and more.
No insurance
In addition to this, the Meneses did not have any insurance for their son and found themselves neck deep in medical bills. “We approached many people, our friends and family, and publications and we received some help. However, only after approaching Gulf News did things get better,” Meneses recalled.
After the newspaper published the family’s plea for help in March, an anonymous UAE businessman paid more than half a million dirhams for baby Ethan’s treatment.
“When we approached Gulf News, I told my wife that whatever the outcome, we would accept it. When the hospital told me that someone had paid almost Dh500,000 to help us, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to cry,” Meneses said.
They have come a long way since. “Ethan is a smiling baby. He is talkative and loves to jump around. He’s also starting to crawl,” he said.
Baby Ethan has recovered in the past year and doctors are satisfied with his physical condition. However, his eyesight is yet to improve and he has to be taken for regular check-ups to University Hospital Sharjah. “I really appreciate the help. I wish I could meet the person who donated the money. I would like him to meet my son.”
Meneses admitted they still require financial aid to carry on with Eathan’s treatment.