Pulmonary Valve Stenosis (PVS): A Grateful Heart - My Son’s Story of Survival and Hope

written by mommy Rosemarie Villamor Glendro

Good day to everyone—especially to those behind the incredible program, LET IT ECHO. You are the silent heroes whose compassion has saved lives like my son's.

Let me introduce myself. I am Rosemarie Espinosa, and I am a mother to one brave soul—Ramner Zaimon Glendro. We come from Carcar City, Cebu.

In 2019, life took an unexpected turn. My son, then 9 years old, seemed healthy. There were no signs, no warnings. But one day, I received a call from my mother—he had a recurring fever, cough, and colds. I rushed home, worried, not knowing that this moment would change our lives forever.

We brought him to the doctor, and that’s when we heard the words that shattered me: Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). It was something he was born with—but how could it be? He grew up like any other child—active, happy, full of life.

I cried in front of the doctor, not just from fear, but from helplessness. How could we afford surgery? I was earning minimum wage at Dunkin’ Donuts. My parents had no income. We were barely getting by. And now, my only son needed a heart operation?

The doctor gave me a contact for a specialist, and I held onto that paper like it was my lifeline. At home, I cried constantly. I didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t know where to go. I just knew I couldn’t lose my child.

I took time off work and brought him to Chong Hua Hospital, where I met Dr. Remotigue—a man I now believe was sent by God Himself. I pleaded with him, and he didn’t turn us away. Instead, he became the bridge to hope. He referred us to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, where we could be part of a heart surgery medical mission.

From then on, Wednesdays were dedicated to check-ups. And every visit ended with us kneeling in prayer at Santo Niño Church. I would cry to the heavens, asking for just one thing—that my son be given another chance to live.

Vicente Sotto became our second home. We returned week after week, praying we’d be chosen. Then, one day, we were handed a medical form. It was the beginning of something we had only dared to hope for.

I took a month off work to process everything—to gather the documents, prepare the requirements, and take every step with faith. Eventually, we submitted everything. All that was left was to wait.

I’m crying again as I write this. My son is chatting with me right now, reminding me of how far we’ve come.

In June 2019, he underwent a balloon valvuloplasty. It was a test to see if the heart could be healed without major surgery. But the doctors said it wasn’t enough—he needed open-heart surgery. My heart sank. I was terrified. I doubted if he could survive it.

But I held onto prayer like a lifeline. I returned to Santo Niño, cried before the altar, and begged God to protect my only child. I had no other prayer: “Lord, please save my son.”

Finally, in September 2019, the surgery was scheduled. We were ready—at least on the outside. Inside, my heart was breaking. When the nurse called him in, I told him:

“Son, pray to the Lord, okay? Ask Him to make everything okay.” He looked at me and said, “You pray, Ma.”

I held back my tears until he disappeared behind the doors of the operating room. The surgery took 10 long hours. I waited, not breathing, not eating—just praying.

And then morning came. The nurse came out and said the words I will never forget:

“The operation is done. Your son is okay.”

I broke down in tears. My mother and I embraced, overwhelmed by gratitude. After a month in the hospital, we were finally able to go home—healed, hopeful, and whole. It was a success. A miracle.

I remember telling God:

“Lord, if You ever decide to take him away, I will accept it, because I know he was only borrowed from You. But I will do everything I can to help him live. You alone know our purpose in this life.”

To this day, I continue to thank every person and organization who stood by us:

• LET IT ECHO Heart Families

• Gift of Life International

• Heart Warrior Philippines

• Rotary Club of Cebu

• Dunkin' Donuts Cebu

• Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

• Chong Hua Hospital

• And every doctor and nurse who cared for my son.

You gave us hope when we had none. You gave my son a future.

This year, my son turns 16. He still undergoes heart check-ups every three years, but he is happy, healthy, and full of life. Even though I now work far from home, I am comforted knowing that he’s well—and that we made it through.

We survived what felt impossible.

To all the mothers and fathers out there facing the same battle: Don’t lose hope. Never stop praying. Keep fighting for your children. Take the risks. Chase every opportunity. Seek help. Because even when we don’t see the answers, God is already working through the hands and hearts of others.

We don’t know what the future holds, but as long as we fight for our children, we are already writing their story of survival.

Keep fighting, mommies and daddies. We are stronger than we think. ❤️

From the bottom of my heart—thank you. We love you all. You are part of our story, our miracle, and our forever gratitude.

This is the story of my son’s heart journey— and the beautiful life he now lives because people cared, because faith endured, and because love never gave up.