In 1998, Elena (not her real name) was barely 13 when she got pregnant after having been raped by a neighbor. An orphan, she sought solace in a new center for abused girls.
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Charity (SLRC) has already brought hope to more than 13,000 beneficiaries. It has helped fulfill the dreams of 337 students; 65 have already graduated.
When Ondoy struck in 2009, Gang Badoy, who was mourning the deaths of her friends Alexis Tioseco, Nika Bohinc and the Eguids, set aside her grief and helped people by going on air to provide information about the typhoon. The emergency broadcast, which lasted for days and was heard over Jam 88.3, helped a number of people including a man who was assisting his wife in giving birth in their flooded home.
Among the great challenges for the newly diagnosed is finding funds to complete the recommended treatment. The more severe the condition, the higher the cost of treatment.
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