Filipino child benefits from Cyprus charity

THE GENEROSITY of residents of Cyprus have helped greatly to improve the quality of life for a cancer-suffering boy in the Philippines.

An appeal was made last month to help a young Filipina mother who came to work in Cyprus early this year, only to learn shortly afterwards that her 11-year-old son had suddenly been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Antonio Mar’s family faced a heart-rending choice over whether to risk surgery – as appearing his only chance fro recovery, with the risks that presented – or to attempt to enrich his likely dying days in the best manner possible.

The choice made was to make the best of whatever life God would extend to him.
The good news is that the young boy is reportedly happy and not suffering any of the screaming pains of before – living normally.

Add to that the news that the money donated by people here in Cyprus has finally arrived in the Philippines to buy the special medicines to make that process to continue.

The money was delayed in international bank transfer, but through the dedicated good offices of the Cypriot Consul for the Philippines, it has arrived at its destination – Antonio’s grandmother, Imelda, who has been caring for the boy since his Mum’s departure for Cyprus.

Imelda and Antonio do not live in the more sophisticated environment of Makati/Manila, but in the province of Albay – some 10 hours away
The best news is that the medicines are working. His aunt said yesterday that he was happy and not suffering any of the screaming pains of before, and his family wished that their deep gratitude be passed on to those who have made such a difference in these difficult times.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.