Valentine's Day isn't exclusive to couples. It is also a celebration of life and its blessings, especially for children with chronic diseases.
Situated inside the East Avanue Medical Center, it is currently the home of indigent children outside the Metro Manila, who has chronic illness such as cancer, congenital heart disease, and blood-related problems.
The child house offers survival and remedial sessions to each children and parents. "Tahan-tahanan" also has arts room, play room, and counseling corner to "help ease the pain" of the child and parents.
"Tahan-Tahanan" is a joint project between the East Avenue Medical Center and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). It was inaugurated by President Aquino on February 14, 2011.
"Children, 19 years old and below, can be confined in our shelter, as long as they are from outside Metro Manila. We give them free food and accommodation and they can stay for as long as their medication demands," says Dr. Marvie Abesamis.
She qualifies though that they "don't admit kids with contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis," which others kids can also contract.
Hopeful, blessed
Mrs. Leticia Celebre, mother of congenital heart disease survivor Khesia, is very happy and thankful to "Tahan-Tahanan" for serving as their second home. They come from Eastern Samar.
1-year-old Khesia was operated last year and is now staying in the child house for recovery and check up that will last for three months.
"Siyempre, mahirap kasi sa probinsiya walang hospital, yung iba iniintay na lang (na mamatay ang bata). Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa tulong nila," Celebre said, teary-eyed.
Khesia is currently just one of the many children that are housed in "Tahan-Tahanan". According to Dr. Abesamis, there is approximately 70% survival among in-house patients. Last year, there were 144 children admitted in Tahan-Tahanan.
Give love on Valentine's (and in any other day)
"Tahan-Tahanan" is open to volunteers who wish to spend time with the children and help them-in his or her own little way.
Thus, comedienne and singer Beverly Salviejo, Manila Bulletin's (MB) Badette Cunanan and Barbie Atienza, actor Alex Medina, and Binibining Pilipinas 2012 2nd-runner up Ali Forbes, BB. Pilipinas 2001 International Maricarl Tolosa, and BB. Pilipinas 2013 hopeful Nicole Donesa, decided to spend their Valentine's Day with the children and felt very at home and welcome. This was "Tahan-Tahanan's" second anniversary.
The children spent the whole afternoon dancing, singing, eating, and enjoying their company. MB mascot Jeffery the Eaglet also danced with the children.
"Madaling sabihin sa inyo na kaya niyo 'yan, kasi hindi naman kami ang may sakit. Pero lahat tayo may kanya kanyang problema. Nanay din ako, so alam ko ang pakiramdam niyo. Kaya narito kami para kahit papano mabigyan kayo ng saya," media personality Bernadette Romulo Puyat says.
"It is fulfilling to spend our day here," host Barbie Atienza shared during the program. "I am once a cancer patient. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and the doctors said I had three to six months."
Owing to his healthy lifestyle and supportive family and friends, he has now recuperated and is very much healthy. His advice to the children, (and anyone who is grief-stricken, broken-hearted, and feeling hopeless): "strengthen your faith in God."
It was a heart-warming experience to spend a day with these children, especially for first-timers. This won't be the first and last visit for some, but will be a yearly celebration. After all, every day should be like Valentine's Day.
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