By Ana Flores, CLM

I met Jenny in 2022 during the pandemic. I remember that time when I attended Mass in Narulang, I saw Jenny and her two-year-old daughter Jennifer, and I wondered why Jennifer was walking with difficulty.

After Mass, Jenny and I had a brief conversation about her family. She shared with me that her daughter was born with a condition affecting her left foot which was different from her right foot. When the little girl was one month old, they brought her to the Provincial Hospital for medical check-up, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospital did not accept them. So, they went back home without any medical advice.

Jenny also shared about her husband’s work and his modest salary. She wanted to return to the hospital for medical advice and care, but it was difficult for them because their place is quite far from the city. With her husband’s meager salary and five children to support, their limited income is just enough for their daily food and for sending their children to school.

I immediately contacted Columban Father Enrique, the parish priest in that place. Together, we  decided to help Jenny’s family, especially the little girl.

When I was talking with Jenny about her little girl, I remember a similar situation from my previous ministry involving two other children.  One of them had a problem like Jennifer. I encouraged the mother to bring him to the hospital for treatment. She agreed. However, the process  was lengthy and expensive. Sometimes, it is difficult for those families living far from the hospital to go through this very tiresome process. For this reason, the mother did not continue with the treatment, especially since her child had grown older. He still walks with difficulty. I feel sorry for him. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t do any more.

The other child was a girl who had a motorbike accident. Her hip was badly affected. When her parents brought her to the hospital, the doctors conducted an X-ray but found no problem and  sent her home. After a few days, I saw her walking with difficulty. When I asked her mother about it, she appeared hopeful and said that it will improve after a few weeks. However, as time passed, her condition didn’t change. I encouraged her mother to bring her to the hospital again, and this time I accompanied them. I listened to what the doctors said and talked with them about the girl’s condition. After a thorough  examination, they decided to admit the little girl. The process  was long, difficult, and painful for the little girl, but it was ultimately successful. Now, at 13 years old, she can walk normally, and able to live her life like any other child. I am happy for her.

Having gone through similar experiences, I encouraged Jenny to take her daughter back to the hospital for a check-up. By 2022, the pandemic situation had improved. The little girl, Jennifer, received medical attention at the hospital, and we were able to help the family with some financial assistance.  I also needed to monitor her progress closely. Once a week, they had to go back to the hospital to change the cast and for assessment to track her improvement. This going back and forth to the hospital lasted for almost one year. After a year, Jennifer underwent surgery. The surgery was successful, and she recovered fast. Following the surgery, the doctors recommended special shoes for her to wear. She wore the shoes for quite some time. Although the process was  long and painful, it was ultimately successful.

I continue to  visit families in Narulang as part of my ministry. It brings me great joy to  see Jennifer walking normally, running, and playing with other children. I’m happy for her and her parents because she is now living a normal life.

I often reflect on how difficult and painful it could be if children like Jennifer are not able to receive any treatment. Every child deserves a good childhood and the opportunity for a better life. Unfortunately,  circumstances, particularly for the poor can sometimes hinder this.

Jesus calls us to have the heart of a child, which means we need to feel how they feel and find ways to continue helping them to have a healthier and livelier lives.

After the operation