Prayers and assistance for Aira de la Cruz and Chino Nebrao

I first knew about Aira de la Cruz reading through old newspapers two weekends ago and coming across this human interest story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) dated September 24 about an 11-year old who had been confined at the Santo Tomas Hospital since June 20 of this year due to stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Lymphomas are varieties of cancer derived from a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a varied group of blood cancers that include any kind of lymphoma except those that are diagnosed as Hodgkin’s lymphomas. NHLs also differ in terms of severity from inactive to very aggressive.

The more I read through the article, the more I felt that God had really guided me to see her story and do whatever I could for this child. Mary Jane de la Cruz, Aira’s mother and single parent told the Inquirer that if Aira doesn’t show signs of improvement from her chemotherapy sessions (a session costs 30,000 pesos), her doctors advised that she would have to undergo radiotherapy as well. She admitted she doesn’t know how expensive the treatment would be, but added nevertheless, that she “was determined to try everything to save her daughter’s life.”

As a parent myself to four kids and father to our only daughter Faith, I can really relate to Mary Jane’s resolve. I’m so thankful to God that despite the relatively minor illnesses my children had gone through in their young life, we have not experienced any serious illness of this magnitude.

Initially, I had planned of simply and quietly giving my own personal financial donation for Aira. Later, due to her increasing hospitalization expenses I realized I would be of better help to also share her story with the most number of people. That meant talking to my officemates about her plight, my CFC brothers and sisters and of course readers of my personal blogs to join me in helping this beloved child of God. Secondly, and I believe more importantly, I ask for your fervent prayers.

Last October 6, as I accompanied Junior to UST to pay the balance for his college tuition this 1^st semester, we looked for Aira at the UST Hospital. We found her at the pediatric ward, Rm. 322 (Bed E) at the second floor of the Clinical Division building. Her grandmother, also named Mary was there watching over her. Lola Mary broke down to tears as I introduced myself. I felt her deep anguish over her granddaughter’s condition but also her heartfelt gratitude at the financial assistance I gave and was able to solicit from officemates at the Research and Special Studies Bureau. She asked my name which I hesitantly wrote down. Lola Mary said she asked my name to offer pray on my behalf. A gesture I very much appreciated. At some point I shook the hand of frail Aira. She shook my hand but also gently placed it on her forehead. For Filipinos that was a sign of reverence and gratitude. My heart melted away at this heartrending and humbling sight. I had asked Lola Mary to tell her daughter who is seeking help from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to look for an officemate working at our Resident Ombudsman office at the PCSO who could facilitate her request for assistance. As I bade them goodbye, I told Aira to get well. She nodded her head, both lola and her apo waving goodbye and thanking me for my efforts. I thanked them as well for their warmth and prayers.

I couldn’t help but cry as I left the ward. My heart bleeds and at times couldn’t help but wonder how these kinds of suffering could befall such sweet and innocent children such as Aira. But then we can only trust in the Lord’s wisdom and perfect plan.

I didn’t know if Junior understood what I was exactly going through. But if I was to see my kids grow up to be kind and compassionate people through my example, then I would be very happy to know that at least in this aspect, I was able to be a good father to them.

Aira’s unpaid hospital bills have reached up to P300,000 (roughly around $7,000). This amount is expected to rise as her therapy sessions continue. If you also feel that God is drawing you to this child to help, please do not hesitate to share your blessings. PDI’s article listed Mary Jane’s cell number at 0921-9991762. Donations may be deposited through her Metrobank account (Account No. 152-3152404833).

Similarly I ask for your prayers and financial assistance for Chino Nebrao. As of this time, Baby Chino, the third child of CFC missionaries Clark and Cynthia Nebrao, would be nearing or just may have celebrated his first year of delicate existence. He suffers from an unusual heart problem, what doctors categorize as severe mitral regurgitation with mild stenosis. To a lay man it meant he had a defective heart valve, a condition that couldn’t be treated with medication and the survival rate only at 5%. At this point, it also meant that he would have to undergo surgery at the soonest possible time.

The open heart surgery along with the hospitalization and medication expenses is expected to reach the amount of 2 million pesos (an estimated $45,000). Friends and family of Chino’s parents have already come together to ask around 2,000 generous souls to give at least P1,000 ($20) to raise the needed amount. In addition, everyone believes that your passionate prayers shall work wonders for Baby Chino.

Kindly deposit your donations to:

Cynthia Marie Adalla-Nebrao

Account Number: 3106523407

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

EDSA-Greenhills branch

Let us ask our God of healing and miracles, our God who knows no boundaries, and to whom nothing is impossible, to pour down his blessings and grace upon these special innocent children.

I also pray for all the kind-hearted souls who would share their blessings and prayers for the complete healing and recovery of Aira and Chino. May the almighty God bless you and your respective families!