BUNINAY

Do you know this woman? Photo from  http://www.trueknowledge.com She is Dra. Fe del Mundo, a world-renowned pediatrician, a National Scientist of the Philippines, and my savior. I just heard of the news that she passed away yesterday. I don't know much about her but one thing, she saved me. Photo from  http://www.rmaf.org.ph As I child, I was very sickly due to asthma. I can still remember the days when I had to tell the teacher I had to go home because I couldn't breathe, the times when I was coughing like a barking dog non-stop, the nights when my mom and dad had to stay up because of my condition. I was a normal kid. I used to play all day, run around with dripping sweat, eat ice candies & sweets and do other tiring kids' stuff. But unlike my playmates, I used to go home with difficulty in breathing, with fever, flu or cough, and I always had my favorite handy tool with me, the inhaler . One time, when I was in 4th grade, my mom and dad took me to the hospital.

Run for fun. Run for One’s Son. As a child, I was young and carefree, playful and curious. I was able to go to school for about 17 years including three levels at pre-school. If given a chance, I’d still even want to continue for an MA degree or to a law school. Am I grateful? Of course! It is necessary? Perhaps. Does everyone have this chance? NO. Every child deserves a life filled with happiness, love, safety, good health and knowledge. Who wants to see a poor child begging for pennies to be able to feed his sick parent, or his younger sister, even before himself? I don’t. So, every time I see one, not only do I feel a sting on my heart, but wish I can make a difference to his early-complicated life. Sure we all want to help the needy. It’s very innate for a person to be kind and good-hearted. Most of us give them money whenever they approach us, but do all of us realize how little a coin can do something for his growling tummy. Can a peso or two bring them to school? Can it even b