Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts 2011

Written by Phi Lambda Delta

In recognition of the debt we owe to our patients who have taught us over the years, the sorority has established the VP (Ventriculoperitoneal) SHUNTS PROJECT. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is a surgical procedure done to relieve increased pressure inside the skull due to excess cerebrospinal fluid on the brain seen in patients with hydrocephalus. Hundreds of Filipino children are afflicted with hydrocephaly, most of which cannot afford treatment (P20,000 for the VP Shunt alone). Through this project, we aim to provide VP shunts to some of the indigent patients in the Pediatric and Neurosurgery wards in PGH.

Eligible patients are those either admitted in the Charity wards of the Department of Pediatrics or Neurosurgery of the Philippine General Hospital, below 19 years of age, and without the current financial capacity to afford the said operation. The patient or his or her family or physician should submit a copy of the patient's clinical abstract, duly signed, as well as a copy of certification from the Medical Social Service of the family's financial capacity.

At present, one VP shunt unit would cost approximately P20,000, and a lot of patients in PGH cannot afford such device. Added to this would be the cost of the actual operation for the VP shunt to be installed into the patient. Through the generosity of various sponsors, we were able to donate four VP shunts last February and another one in April 2011.

In this video, three of our beneficiaries would like share their stories and thank those whose generosity made the VP Shunts donations possible. On behalf of the children and the parents who benefitted from this project, the Office of the Sister of the Sister Caritas would like to thank the following:
• Mrs. Juliet Villagracia-Genio
• Mr. Tony Cabrera
• Atty. Agerico Paras
• Dr. Maria Lora Cabrera-Tupas
• Dr. Sheenly Tenefracia-Suresca
• Dr. Maria Deb Briones-Palmes

Thank you so much for your kind generosity. May you continue to make a difference in the lives of more people.