Operation Blessing partnered with the government of Marikina in the Philippines to distribute wheelchairs to 100 disabled residents.

THE PHILIPPINES – A day playing outside with friends soon turned life-threatening for 10-year-old Eduardo.

Earlier this year, the young boy had complained about his legs hurting. A few months later, he could barley walk due to the throbbing pain.

He told his mother, Mercedita, who immediately took him to Philippine General Hospital.

The doctors diagnosed Eduardo with necrotizing fasciitis – a rare bacterial infection that causes the rapid death of skin and muscle, and is often fatal.

Eduardo underwent a series of painful surgeries to combat the infection, but in the process, lost his ability to walk.

"We are blessed to have donors like Operation Blessing because this will transform the lives of many of our Marikina citizens,” said Mayor Marides C. Fernando.

Without a means of mobility, Eduardo was forced to quit school.

His mother did not stop searching for help.

"I told myself that I would do whatever it took for my son to be treated – I don’t want him to die like that,” said Mercedita.

On August 3, Operation Blessing partnered with the local government of Marikina in the Philippines to distribute wheelchairs to a hundred disabled residents.

"These people were granted the hopes of being able to walk again and go out and explore the world outside their homes,” said an OBI representative in the Philippines.

"We are blessed to have donors like Operation Blessing because this will transform the lives of many of our Marikina citizens,” said Mayor Marides C. Fernando.

After receiving a wheelchair, Eduardo told of his wish to help others like him in the future.

"As soon as I get better and can walk again, I will return this wheelchair immediately so others can use it too,” Eduardo said. "Thank you to Operation Blessing.”

Since July of this year, 319 wheelchairs have been distributed to the needy in the Philippines as part of the "Free Wheelchair Mission Program.”

Other such events are planned for the future.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Take part in bringing life-changing health care to those in need – whether it is giving a boy such as Eduardo mobility or providing others with access to much-needed medical treatment - your financial gift is helping to bring relief to the hurting.