Alabang (May 1) - Mrs. Harriet Barrera, principal of the Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow, was rushed to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center here after experiencing abdominal pain. Mrs. Barrera, 48, had been feeling nauseous for two days, having vomited intensely.

According to doctors at the hospital, Mrs. Barrera suffered from a ruptured appendix, which led to septic shock. Septic shock is a condition in which internal organs are infected by bacteria and fungi. This condition has a high death rate, about 30%-60% according to The New England Journal of Medicine.

Mrs. Barrera was admitted into the emergency room of Asian Hospital on Thursday afternoon. She was immediately recommended for emergency surgery after it was determined that her appendix had indeed ruptured. After the emergency major operaion, she was wheeled into the Intensive Care Unit, where she was monitored for 48 hours.

She was then moved to a private room, during which time she was under observation and treatment. She was released on Wednesday, May 7, after her condition has improved. She was not, however, allowed to attend the PCST staff teambuilding the next week due to the seriousness of her operation.

The medical bills, meanwhile, continued to rise during this time. At this point, it has risen to P200,000.00. PCST has been asking parents to assist in the payment of this huge medical expense. Some parents have already responded to this, donating to help our with the payment of the medical bills.

If you wish to assist, you may forward your donations to the PCST office. You may also contact the office for any questions at 822-9663 local 109 or 141.