Lav Diaz’s grandson needs help for heart ailment

DE JESUS

A heart ailment is casting a shadow on the future of 9-year-old Niño de Jesus, grandson of indie filmmaker Lav Diaz.

Niño has been diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation in which the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t close tightly, causing some blood to flow back into the heart instead of moving forward.

“He was forced to stop attending school as a Grade 3 pupil to prevent a repeat of the heart attack that almost caused his life,” said Diaz, director of “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan,” “Death in the Land of Encantos” and “Batang West Side,” among other world-acclaimed films.

“He is at risk of developing severe pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure if [he doesn’t undergo open-heart] surgery immediately,” cardiovascular surgeon Karl Michael Reyes said in the boy’s medical abstract.

The operation, however, will cost P600,000. The procedure will be done by Reyes at Medical Center Manila on UN Avenue in Manila, as soon as Niño’s family can raise the amount needed.

“I am appealing for financial assistance from your readers because…I may be a little popular but I am not a millionaire,” said Diaz who can be reached at at 0917-2744220.

Donations for Niño’s heart surgery can be deposited in the BDO account of Diaz’s mother, Maria Indico Diaz (#0945-214167-530).