Aniela, the youngest recorded organ donor in the Philippines, continues to make a lasting impact years after her passing.
Born with anencephaly, a rare and fatal condition where the brain and skull do not fully develop, Aniela lived only a few hours.
Despite knowing her daughter’s life would be brief, her mother, Karina, made the decision to donate Aniela’s corneas, a gesture that gave another child the chance to see.
That child was Nikki Manalo, a baby born blind due to congenital glaucoma. Through Aniela’s donation, Nikki gained sight and now, at nine years old, lives a healthy life filled with learning and exploration.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa kanila (Aniela’s Family), pangalawa sa mga doktor at siyempre sa Asian Hospital. Sobrang thankful namin,” Clod Manalo, Nikki’s father.
Several online users were also touched by the gesture of Aniela’s family, thanking the young donor and her family.
“My respects to the family of the donor..” one commented.
“You are a blessing baby Aniela,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Happy tears,” another commented.
Aniela’s story has later inspired the establishment of the Corneal Transplant Center at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, which aims to restore vision and improve the lives of more patients through specialized eye care and transplantation.
—with Rosette Adel
