Ruby Rodriguez opens up about son AJ’s rare autoimmune disease

Ruby Rodriguez has opened up about her son AJ’s rare autoimmune disease which led to her family’s decision to move to the US.

In the latest “Tunay Na Buhay” episode, the actress and TV host said her son had “intellectual disability” and a condition called Henoch-Schönlein purpura or HSP.

“His medical issue started at six years old. He had his first attack of HSP,” Ruby said in Filipino. “It’s not extremely rare. It happens, but only one attack occurs. What is rare is the chronic attack of HSP which AJ had.”

She said the chronic attacks could cause damage to internal organs, specifically the kidney.

Ruby said AJ’s medication was costly and when she was still in the Philippines, she spent her own earnings for the expenses.

Now that they’re in the US, she said she was grateful that her son’s treatment was covered by insurance.

Ruby said all she wished was for AJ to be a “functioning member of society.”

“Basta kailangan ma-support niya sarili niya ’pag wala na kami,” she said.

[He has to be able to support himself when we’re gone.]

Ruby moved to the US in May. She is now working in the legal department of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California.

In a previous interview, Ruby said she and her family had decided to live in the US while AJ was being treated. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News