MY FOND MEMORIES

WALK

Typhoon Frank in 2008, while it brought many memories on disasters, it also brought me fond memories of making us closer to the community. Rotary Club of Forbes Park initiated Project W.A.L.K. (Wishes of Aid and Limbs for Kids) with an inspiration from Arnel Ropero, now 16 year old who only asked Rotary Club of Kalibo for crutches. Arnel was born without two limbs and is from Sitio Pinangod, Bacyang, Madalag, Aklan. He was brought to our attention by Sister Esther of Daughters of Charity of Tambak, New Washington. He was very shy but determined to walk and that by providing him a prosthetic leg, we were able to inspire him to be confident, knowing he could have a better chance of having a better future. Project WALK kicked off with an overwhelming success through the able motivation and support of Atty. Ed Escano, the author’s classmate club president from RC Forbes Park, Makati City and the full-support and attention from UP-PGH by Dr. Carmelo Alfiler, Dr. Josephine Bondoc and their team.

We thought that was it. Then, another soul was brought to our attention, this time again from Aklan. Lailanie Tello, 17 year old from Madalag, Aklan was born without one leg. Project WALK provided her a Jaipur leg from Tzu Chi Foundation who is collaborating with WALK and UP-PGH. The next beneficiary is unforeseen, but when the news came about Arnel in the Phil. Daily Inquirer, Ma. Concepcion Arino, from Maasin City, Leyte, 12 year old disabled girl selling popcorn in the street of Maasin, was channelled to us by RC Ormoc and through the kind heart of Chito Saludo, a batchmate of Atty. Escano who even made his way to connect with me and help look for MC, who actually moved then from Leyte to Ormoc and is nowhere to be seen. It took me three months to finally found her and brought her to Manila.  This is where I fully appreciate the world of Rotary. We look for opportunity to serve and to make a difference. MC is currently a second year high school student at Merida Institute High School in Ormoc and wants to pursue a degree in Information Technology in College.

Then came John Borja, a 5 year old boy from Luzon, who was admitted at the PGH Rehabilitation Ward and unable to move. His body was in complete paralysis secondary to Guillain Barre Syndrome. John became recluse and irritable and completely refused to undergo the exercise programs that would facilitate his return to mobility. Then came Jonh’s frenzy. Frenz Hermillosa, a 5 year old boy from Crossing Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, is adventurous but prudent by his family and bold but discreet by his kindergarten teacher. He was born with “a foot directly dangles from the hip” on his right limb that is not deformed but also shorter than the left. He was brought to us by Sister John of the Daughters of Charity, Polo, New Washington, again, from the inspiration by Arnel, our 1^st beneficiary. Frenz while undergoing prosthetic fabrication came to play with John Borja.  He brought him toys and for 3 days, relentlessly encouraged the stoic John in on his games. Feeling defeated in his pursuit, Frenz opted to stay in his bed the following morning only to be pleasantly surprised by the sight of an approaching John borne on a wheelchair asking him to play! Thus, John’s Frenzy towards a renewed vigor for life –walking hand in hand with Frenz’s prodding in the corridors, standing with support under the watchful eye of Frenz under the monkey bars, climbing up and down each other’s beds to reach for toys – until Frenz had to go home to Aklan.

Over the period of three (3) years, we had six beneficiaries. Just recently, RCFP initiated another event of fundraising. Project WALK when it started with RC Kalibo in 2008, is now being continued for three years (2009-present) by Rotary Club of Roxas with the sisterclub RC Forbes Park Makati. This time, another beneficiary will be given the chance of a bright future. Jessie Maming of Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, who met an accident and his orthopedic physician, Dr. Lemon Quimpo had to amputate his two arms to save his life. Project WALK is now challenged to provide him prosthetic arms. He now left for Manila and waiting for his rehab and fitting.

Even before we can get JC his arms, one Good Samaritan knocked on us for John Paul of Biliran, Bohol. Victor of the same place found JP on the street and thought he would need a new prosthetic leg. Facebook made a good connection and to cut the story short, we were able to offer help to JP. Ed was so generous to call me and asked my help to assist JP and make sure that he gets proper assessment from an Ortho Doc. Through some philanthropic people, soon, we will make JP’s dream come true.

While WALK provides prosthetic limbs to children born with congenital deformities, and to others who have lost their limbs through accident, WALK goes beyond providing access to physical mobility for our beneficiaries. Like my project partner, Atty. Ed Escano would say, “WALK is about LIFE. WALK is about loving life and living it to the fullest. WALK is about giving hope and inspiration to the children, our future. By endowing limbs, we provide our beneficiaries the needed fire and zest to live and be productive members of our society.”

Now, Project WALK partners with organizations like the Rotary International, Rotary Club of Forbes Park Makati, Rotary Club of Roxas, Tzu Chi Foundation, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City and Physicians for Peace  (Building Peace and International Friendships through Medicine).  Those who wish to help and donate, please keep in touch with the author.

Wishes of Aid and Limbs for Kids (W.A.L.K.) aims to assist physically challenged children. A person’s physical mobility goes beyond moving oneself from one place to another. By providing limbs to a physically handicapped person, we endeavor to propel one’s confidence and self-worth towards personal growth and productivity. THIS IS OUR MISSION.

PP Ed has been an inspiration to all of this, too. His vigor and zest for life is contagious. Thank you Ed for being in the team of my ANGELS on this earth. Most of all, THANK YOU Project Walk for bringing me closer to the community.