Anjelica

Anjelica was half-orphaned by her mother who died of heart attack. She was then cared for by her maternal grandmother who later died due to old age. With the latter's death, the custody of Anjelica went to her maternal grandmother's brother and sister-in-law, who subsequently referred her to the orphanage considering that they are also old with no sufficient income. While at the orphanage Anjelica's father appeared and signed the deed of voluntary commitment relinquishing Anjelica to the care of the state. Anjelica's father claimed incapability to provide for the child's needs.

 

In 2007, Anjelica was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and ventricular septal defect. She also had TB in the same year. She was also as born with Down syndrome.

Anjelica is undernourished and is continually provided with Pediasure milk twice a day to supplement her food intake and improve her weight. She measures 85 centimeters in height and weighs 9.2 kilograms. Due to her congenital heart disease-ventricular septal defect, Anjelica takes lanoxin, aldactone, and furosemide.

At her age she can sit, stand alone for several minutes and make 3 to 5 steps without assistance. She can walk sideways holding on to the rails but most of the time she prefers to crawl than walk. She can hold objects and make actions like clapping, waving good-bye, and do flying kisses to familiar persons. She knows her name and understands simple instructions. She can also feed herself with snacks and drinks in a training cup without assistance. She can say bi-syllable words and uses body language or gestures to communicate what she wants. She easily cries if she does not get what she wants but is easily pacified. She is not yet toilet trained and needs assistance from her caregivers.

Anjelica enjoys and dances to music. She also loves playing with toys and participates in the activities provided by her caregivers. She is also comfortable even with strangers. Anjelica was referred to the Philippine Heart Center and is still under observation by her pediatric-cardiologist.