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Published May 9, 2025 9:59pm
A single mom with idiopathic seizure disorder living in Pateros received help from GMA Kapuso Foundation.
According to “24 Oras” Friday, Cheenamie Alvarez has been working as a balut vendor for eight years now, earning P300 daily to cover the needs of her four children.
“Bigla na lang siyang nangingisay eh, naninigas, minsan itim na itim pa kamay niya,” Cheenamie’s mother-in-law, Ellen Rivera Prado, said.
Per neurosurgeon Dr. Anabelle Z. Alcarde, idiopathic means the cause is unknown.
“Ang seizure naman, o ang tinatawag na kombulsyon, ay sintomas kung saan marami pinapakita ‘yung pasyente gaya ng panginginig ng kamay, ng mukha, pagbago ng damdamin, pag-iisip, o ‘yung pagkawala ng malay. Kailangang tuloy-tuloy ang pag-inom ng gamot. Huwag kayong magpapaliban kahit isang beses lang,” she said.
Despite her condition, Cheenamie continues to work hard. She ensures she has a companion whenever she goes out because she does not know when a seizure might occur.
To supplement her income and help purchase her medication, she also takes on laundry jobs.
Cheenamie is also grateful for the help her mother-in-law provides in raising her children.
“Gusto kong makatapos ‘yung mga anak ko kasi wala akong pamilya, malayo ako. Kaya ‘di ko iniwan mga ‘yan simula nung maliit pa,” Cheenamie said.
GMA Kapuso Foundation surprised Cheenamie with food packs, flowers, food, cake, a three-month supply of medication for her seizures, and a new bicycle.
For those who want to take part in GMA Kapuso Foundation’s initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.
For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.
—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News
