Written By Astrid Raisa Subingsubing, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
Letty Bernas is a 65 year old widow. Her husband died of a heart attack in 2002. Approximately two months after, her son, 27 year old Wyson Bernas, then 15 years old, started experiencing epilepsy. His medicine can only be purchased in Baler, that’s why Nanay Letty goes there at the end of every month to buy them. Nanay Letty does laundry to earn money. She earns a maximum of Php 1,200 to Php 1,500 a month.
Their roof was blown off by Typhoon Lando, exposing them to the strong rain and winds. Soaked wet throughout the night, they endured the cold and did not sleep in fear of what can happen next if the storm continues. The chill triggered Nanay Letty’s rheumatism and because of the intense pain on her hip, she is no longer able to do laundry. They already ran out of Wyson’s medicine, and she is afraid he will have an epilepsy attack if he is not able to take it.
Nanay Letty and Wyson were two of the beneficiaries served by the Operation Blessing medical mission in Brgy. Calantas, Casiguran Aurora, where there were also found to be many cases of diarrhea and trauma from the typhoon.
Although OB was unable to give Wyson’s medicine for his epilepsy, Nanay Letty hopes that the pain relievers she received from OB will help her to go back to work and be able to buy these medicines.
“Marami pong salamat sa pagdayo niyo sa amin para makatulong. Malaking tulong po kayo sa amin (Thank you for travelling all this way to help us. You are a big help to us),“ she said.
Many more families are still reeling from this typhoon’s wrath. Help us give them a sense of warmth and ease their pain and discomfort, that they may get back on their feet and on the road to leading normal lives once more. Learn how by calling us at 477 7802 to 04 and 06. You may also give through banks (http://www.staging2.obphil.com/home/give-through-banks/) or credit card (http://www.staging2.obphil.com/home/give-through-credit-card/), or you may drop off your gifts-in-kind at our office (http://www.staging2.obphil.com/home/give-in-kind/).
TOGETHER, LET US SHOW OUR AFFECTED KABABAYANS THAT WE CARE.
Volunteer Contributor and Photographer: Cheriz Abrigo
