By Marie Therese Perez | Project Lead
It can only be described as excitement as Tropical Disease Foundation received the funds raised from the GlobalGiving initiative last December 2019. The first activity was planned to be a surprise for the patients.
Last February 20, 2020 the Clinic Staff called for a General Assembly and created a short program to kickstart the year. The topic was to educate and answer any questions on tuberculosis, treatment and advise patients on simple infection control techniques such as washing hands and practicing proper cough etiquette can help limit the spread of infections.
The event was attended by over 20 patients, some of which are "graduating" from the program and some where new. It came to their suprise to see a banner with the title "Gift Giving Series" and started to ask questions what it was all about. We smiled behind our masks and told them we will reveal later during the program.
Finally, when it came to the reveal, the patients were surprised to know that they will be handed groceries and rice subsidies. They were all very happy and excited to receive the gifts from our Donors.
One patient exclaimed, "I did not expect this, our family is in need of rice and this came as a blessing".
Another commented, "I am close to tears, I did not expect this at all".
After the grocery packs and rice bags were handed out a small meal was shared to close the event.
The unexpected gift was well received, it was a resounding gratitude to the GlobalGiving Donors, "Thank you from the bottom of our patient's hearts", says our Patient Leader.
It is the goal of the Foundation to provide not just the program necessities of TB management but also that extra mile in giving care and understanding the needs and struggles of each and every patient.
This is just the beginning. TDF will have consecutive activities leading up to World TB Day, more updates to follow.
To GlobalGiving, thank you for this opportunity to share the love.
To our generous Secret Santa Donors, you are all a blessing, your donations have touched all of our hearts and we hope and pray that you all be well.
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