Lifestyle
Siblings bond
Madalag, Aklan- Rollen Jr. and his elder sister, Aya Rose, were just like any ordinary siblings, playing together beside their house at Barangay Catabana, Madalag, Aklan.
Rolen Jr. was seated inside a basin that served as an improvised swimming pool, while her sister watched over him. The two siblings were enjoying their time together before the school year began, and Aya Rose had to leave him again.
Rolen Jr, 6, was diagnosed with intellectual disability. His motor skills, language, and self-care are affected. It was the reason her elder sister Aya Rose was assisting him in taking a bath.
He was giggling as Aya Rose splashed water on his body. He prefers Aya Rose to take care of him, aside from his mother.
Rollen Jr. cried whenever Aya Rose left for school and shouted for joy whenever his sister returned home.
Rolenโs mother, Aysa, had noticed that her son had physical challenges at three months old.
Her son could not roll over or crawl, and his legs appeared thin compared to those of a typical baby.
Aysa, 38, said Rollen Jr. has not undergone an intensive medical examination due to a lack of resources. Her husband Rollen works as a construction worker in Boracay Island, Malay.
She said they were supposed to bring Rollen Jr. to a medical clinic in Iloilo City, yet their mobility was challenged during the pandemic.
They were supposed to bring Rollen Jr. to Iloilo City, but it required a series of Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) to enter the city at the height of the pandemic.
They also sought help in a clinic in Kalibo; however, there is no available pediatrician to check Rollen Jr.’s medical condition.
With only hope and perseverance in her heart and mind, Aysa brought her son to the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) in Malinao, also in the province of Aklan, for therapy.
They need not pay to avail themselves of the services.
Aysa said they only need at least Php150.00 for transportation fare to reach the town of Malinao. They, however, were not able to sustain the free therapy until Rollen Jr. reached the age of six.
Rollen Jr. is one of the 23 beneficiaries of the TheraFee initiative of the KALAHI-CIDSS under its Cash-for-Work Program in the town of Madalag.
TheraFee aimed to support underserved Persons with Disabilities and their caregivers. The project monetizes the traditionally unpaid care work provided by PWD caregivers and offers essential assistance to PWDs with Permanent Total Disabilities.
Beneficiaries work for a maximum of 10 days, dedicating eight hours daily, and will receive a daily wage of Php 513.00. The TheraFee initiative is a collaborative effort with the KALAHI-CIDSS and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
Aysa said the KALAHI-CIDSSโs initiative is a big help to families with members who have Permanent Total Disabilities. The amount they will receive from the Program is already intended for Rollen Jr.โs needs, especially for his maintenance medicines.
She said Rollen Jr. is having a seizure whenever he fails to take his maintenance medicine. At one time, he was rushed to the townโs hospital.
Aya thought the child would not survive. Yet, he made it. The seizure attack prompted Aya and her husband to prioritize Rollen Jr.’s maintenance medicine.
Rollen Jr. has to drink his maintenance medicine three times a day to make him calm. He could not sleep until the wee hours of the morning and just shouted until he got tired, said Aya.
The future for Rollen Jr. becoming a typical child appears grim. His caregivers focus on meeting his essential needs, such as food, vitamins, and maintenance medications.
Aysa emphasized that the bond between Rollen and his sister, Aya Rose, should remain unbreakable, as it serves as Rollenโs security blanket./dswd6/mmc
