As the saying goes, a small act of kindness creates an endless ripple.
Jovelyn Gonzaga is full of gratitude for all the help and support she has received after her nephew, Calix Vander, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
But among all those willing to lend a helping hand, Gonzaga feels an overwhelming appreciation for Carmela Tunay and Rachel Anne Daquis.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa auction, lalo na kay Carmela Tunay and Rachel Anne Daquis na sobrang supportive from the start until natapos… Actually hanggang ngayon,” she confessed.
Tunay started an auction during the first week of October, putting jerseys of athletes up for bidding. Daquis, on the other hand, has become one of the emotional pillars of Gonzaga amid her trying times, proving that their spirited connection doesn’t just work wonders on the court but off of it as well.
The fund-raising event circulated through social media. It became quite a success, so much that it has already “covered” the medical expenses for Calix Vander or CV, Gonzaga disclosed.
“Actually, alam namin na magiging successful. Hindi namin alam na magiging overflowing at overwhelming ‘yung support ng mga tao, and lalo na ng mga kapwa kong players na kusang nag-reach out para tumulong kay CV,” gushed the only active player who plays in the Premier Volleyball League and the Philippine Superliga simultaneously.
Some of the athletes who donated their jerseys for the auction were volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado, Sisi Rondina, Jema Galanza, as well as Philippine Men’s National Volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman. Basketball players also took part in the event, such as June Mar Fajardo, Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, Alex Cabagnot, and Ricci Rivero.
“Sobrang nakakataba sa puso na ‘yung love nila kay CV is ramdam na ramdam namin,” Gonzaga beamed.
With the financial support for CV’s treatment, the PacificTown-Army stalwart mentioned that her nephew is already well into the chemotherapy sessions.
“And ayun nga, si CV ngayon, kakatapos lang ng first cycle niya last week, so nagsisimula ng maglagas ‘yung buhok niya so kinalbo na siya ng tatay niya,” she recalled. “Magsa-start na ‘yung cycle niya next week. Tuesday, second cycle niya na.
“So, so far, so good kasi strong naman si CV.”
And while the three-year-old is facing a rough time in his very young life, Gonzaga lauds CV for always having a positive attitude.
“Hindi naman niya iniisip na may sakit siya, and lagi niya nalang dinadala into positive every time. Parang laging sinasabi niya na, ‘Punta nanaman ako hospital, turok nanaman ako nito, iyak nanaman ako.’ Parang… Alam mo ‘yun, inuunahan niya na para every time ini-injection-an siya, iyak lang siya saglit tapos okay na,” Gonzaga said.
“Sabi nga ng mga doctors sa PCMC [Philippine Children’s Medical Center], gusto nilang awardan si CV kasi sobrang tapang na bata. Minsan lang sila naka-encounter ng bata na hindi iyakin pagdating sa injections. So far, so good kay CV, and prayers lang talaga for CV.”
