Thelma Panes, the woman from Hinobaan who was set on fire by her jealous neighbor, continues to appeal for help from kind-hearted Negrenses as she pursues justice against her assailant before the Regional Trial Court in Kabankalan City.

Aside from the financial assistance she needs for her daily medical expenses and her next operation in March, Thelma also needs help in the trial of the frustrated murder case she filed against Rose Aqui, the woman she has accused of the crime.

Thelma, who appeared in court yesterday, with Prosecutor Danilo Tabat, said her hearing was re-set to Feb. 2.

When she dropped by the DAILY STAR office, with her daughter Charlene, and sisters Estelita and Ester, after she arrived from Kabankalan, Thelma said she felt distressed because Tabat told her that her case would be useless if she can't secure the services of a lawyer. However, her problem was solved when DAILY STAR columnist Andy Hagad yesterday agreed to become Thelma's private counsel for free.

Also, from the last week of December until yesterday, more cash donations came in. Coursed through singer Token Lizares were P1,000 from Sony Escario; P150, from Cathy Oliver; and P800, from tickets to her fund-raising concert for Thelma last Dec. 10. A DAILY STAR reader also gave P400.

Thelma still needs three pieces of Para-Tulle everyday as well as gauze and Micropore, Trimycin ointment, and 500mg Ciprofloxacin antibiotic tablets.

Part of the P112,215 in cash and checks that Token raised for the treatment of Thelma is now being spent for her medicines and transportation expenses.

The remaining amount will be used to pay for her hospitalization expenses for her next surgery at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

During her stay at the same hospital for her two surgeries in September and November, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the hospital underwrote P146,000 for her operation and other hospitalization expenses.

Thelma underwent surgey on Sept. 27 on her face, neck and right arm and on Nov. 18, on her chest.

She suffered third degree burns on her face, chest and right arm when her jealous neighbor threw muriatic acid and gasoline on her face and tossed a burning candle at her the night of May 14, 2004.

She said she hopes to get well to build her life again with her three children, who are now staying with her in-laws in Dancalan, Ilog. Her husband left them two years ago. *NLG

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