Hope Rises as the Mother of Children with Retinoblastoma Assisted by the Ministry of Social Affairs

KUPANG (18 September 2022) - Marsiana Helen Trino gently caresses the face of the toddler in her arms. It looks like Agusti Odergari Dava Ganggus, the toddler in the sling, is fast asleep in his mother's arms.

Marsiana's eyes began to fill with tears and hope. This 20-year-old woman hopes that his son, Dava, can have radiation therapy so that he grows up healthy and be able to chase his dreams.

"I want Dava to be healthy, experience all levels of education and be successful," Mariana said. Mariana, who lives in Muwur Village, Wae Mantang, North Rahong, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, couldn't hold back her tears because her son was struggling with a serious illness.

Dava (1.6) has had Retinoblastoma since he was born. Once, he was treated at the Welengga Mete Health Center in East Manggarai Regency. The doctor gave a referral to the hospital, but was not followed up. His father, Bertolomeus Ganggus is a laborer with uncertain income. He can't afford the expenses at Siloam Hospital, Labuhan Bajo.

Such conditions almost dashed their hopes until the arrival of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) employees from the "Efata" Center in Kupang. 

"It's unbelievable they came to help me. They came from far away to help Dava go to the hospital," Marsiana said. She expressed her feelings when meeting Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini at the "Efata" Center in Kupang, Saturday (17/09). 

Also, present on the occasion was Emanuel Jeantus Johan (3), along with his mother, Maria Fatima Sinit. Emmanuel suffers from cerebral palsy.

The Minister of Social Affairs encouraged both of them. Meanwhile, to the people who have helped, the Minister expressed her highest appreciation.

“Thank you for the sincerity and generosity of the good people out there who have helped Emanuel and Dava. MoSA needs to work together with Kitabisa since such a long-term medical treatment cannot be covered by the state budget. However, the ministry helped with ATENSI assistance and living expenses during treatment,” said the Minister.

The Minister of Social Affairs also handed over assistance in the form of nutritional assistance packages with a total value of IDR 19,723,944 for Dava and IDR 15,548,976 for Emmanuel. So that the total assistance for the two children is IDR 35,272,920.

For Marsiana, assistance from MoSA is very meaningful. The "Efata" Center employees in Kupang helped examine and hospitalize Dava at Siloam Hospital, Labuhan Bajo. “Based on the doctor's diagnosis, Dava did not suffer from cataracts but Retinoblastoma. Dava was referred to a hospital in Makassar, Bali or Surabaya,” said the Head of the "Efata" Center in Kupang, Supriyono.

Furthermore, the "Efata" Center in Kupang helps with treatment costs, transportation costs and family accommodation during treatment in Labuhan Bajo. The center also cooperates with the Manggarai Regency Social Office to have them registered at health insurance (BPJS) for further treatment.

Another assistance was in the form of additional nutrition (milk and biscuits), and children's daily care such as soap, baby oil, baby powder, diapers and children's clothes.

The "Efata" Center in Kupang has referred Dava to the Sanglah Hospital in Bali, coordinating with the "Mahatmiya" Center in Bali for further treatment.

"Thank you for the help from the Ministry of Social Affairs, may God repay you for your kindness," said Marsiana.

On the occasion of meeting the Social Affairs Minister, assistance was also given to Emanuel Jeantus Johan (3), who suffers from cerebral palsy. MoSA has assisted with the Family Hope Program (PKH) and helped activate the BPJS card.

Another assistance was in the form of additional nutrition and accommodation during treatment. The suffering of the two toddlers touched the hearts of the people. Through kitabisa.com, IDR 50,572,040 for Emanuel was collected and IDR 38,302,297 for Dava.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs