Life Changing Care for Disabled Filipino Children

Greetings from sunny Siquijor Island, Philippines!

Wanted to give all our donors a quick update on our status and activities.  At this time, not much has changed regarding our ability to travel and bring children for needed surgeries.  Due to the pandemic the Philippines is still locking down each island and province and making it very difficult to travel.  Therefore, our efforts have been limited to our home island.

In our last update, we mentioned that we were working to establish accessible physical therapy to all citizens of the island.  We have made great progress here as the provincial government has hired two full time physical therapist who rotate to provide services at each municipality at least once per week.  Each municipality has provided space for a center and we are working to supply each one with the basic equipment needed.  To date we have acquired six sets of hand weights, resistant bands, balance boards, various size bolsters, and other equipment for local use.  The therapists are now seeing over 30 patients per week and the word is still getting out to the population in each community.  We will have a formal dedication and equipment turn over in each municipality in the near future.

In addition to the physical therapy centers, we are continuing to provide a once a month feeding to malnourished children in the area.  This program is a supplement to the barangays current feeding program and doubles their efforts to help these children lead a normal and healthy life.

We also would like to thank Janet LeBlanc and the parents who donate shirts at John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Texas.  We have been actively working with the local police in Maria Siquijor to distribute clothing and food at their local Barangay informational meetings.  This has been a huge blessing to a number of families struggling during this pandemic.   Thanks to all of you for you continued support both prayerfully and financially.