MANILA, Philippines - Literary art and real-life stories merged at the Pediatric Fair 2009 held at the Luntiang Paraiso of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) recently when Operation Blessing Philippines (OB) presented the message of Luis Gatmaitan’s heartwarming children’s book Sandosenang Sapatos (One Dozen Pairs of Shoes).
“The story is about dreams. Handicapped children cannot dream for themselves. Parents should dream for them,” said Kim April Pascual, COO of OB, who was the featured reader of the storytelling activity.
The story of a shoemaker’s great love for his handicapped daughter inspired many parents who share the same situation as the father in the story. Some cried when they shared their dreams and aspirations for their children.
Joel de la Peña, one of the fathers in the audience, demonstrated the character of the loving father as he carries his handicapped son from Antipolo all the way to PGH for weekly therapy. “Truly, God is all knowing. He knows what we need even before I pray for it,” said Joel, 29, who received a gift from OB during the event.
Ninety children, most of them with cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism and congenital anomalies, were attended to during the Pediatric Fair.
The collaboration between PGH and OB started in 2007 and was formally acknowledged last July. “We chose to partner with Operation Blessing because they have the heart for children,” said Teresita Joy Evangelista, chair of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department.
The Pediatric Fair 2009 is part of the 31st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week celebration, which focuses on disability awareness and prevention. The programs included muscle and bone pain screening, cardiac workshop for patients, and the pediatric fair.
“We are thankful to Operation Blessing for sponsoring an activity like this. This also gives patients a chance to mingle with other children apart from their normal therapy routine,” added Myla Tee, PGH rehabilitation doctor.
Operation Blessing is the humanitarian arm of Christian Broadcasting Network Asia.
OB exemplifies Christian compassion through medical missions, disaster relief, community development, provision of microenterprise activities, and construction of potable water sources in the Philippines and beyond its borders.