More kind-hearted Negrenses, including those living abroad, are extending financial assistance to burned woman Thelma Panes of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental who will undergo another surgery next week, this time, on her right arm and chest.

The surgery is intended to enable her to regain the mobility of both her right arm and hand.

Dr. Benzon Mangubat, Thelma's general surgeon at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City, told the DAILY STAR last night that, as of yesterday, Thelma was responding well to the medications though she earlier had an infection.

Mangubat performed the first surgery with plastic surgeon Dr. Vangie Sison, while senior plastic surgeon, Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona, will join him in Thelma's second operation.

He said that in Thelma's next operation, they will perform another skin grafting on her neck area.

Our primary concern is to let the patient regain the mobility of her right hand and to restore her important body functions, Mangubat said.

The two operations will be okay for now; the aesthetics will come later, he said.

Thelma's first surgery on September 27 was done in her lower lip area.

DONATIONS

Yesterday, the DAILY STAR turned over to the Bacolod-based International Care Ministries Philippines the P16,200 financial assistance from Negrenses in Carson City, California.

Engineer Rudy Niere and his wife, Violeta, gave P11,200 while his brother, Pastor Romeo Niere, P5,000.

Last week, donations received were from Joe Pahilanga, P400; and two anonymous donors, P1,400.

The Soroptimist International Bacolod also issued a P5,000 check. The initial donation was P1,200 also from anonymous benefactors.

Menchu Sarmiento of the Manila-based PAL Foundation informed the DAILY STAR yesterday that their group will also extend assistance to Thelma.

Dr. Mangubat said Thelma, who is considered an indigent case, needs about P10,000 for her needs for every surgery, excluding the medicines.

He and his colleagues render their medical services for free.

Thelma's younger sister, Ester, who is looking after her at the hospital, said she is very grateful for the people who have responded to her sister's appeal for help.*NLG

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