Takbo Para Kay Nessa

JUST BE By Bernadette Sembrano
The Philippine Star 10/10/2006

It was no ordinary Sunday. I was part of a group running for Nessa, a five-year-old girl who has a hole in her heart, a congenital disease known as atrial septal defect.

I was one of those invited by Probe Productions, Inc. to participate in a run to raise funds for Nessa’s operation. Frankly, I have never met Nessa before the run, but I know her father, Probe’s soundman, Tiong Ladra. We worked together when I was still with Probe. Tiong was always patient, hardworking and pleasant. Somehow he always found something to smile about.

Knowing that he was going through a tough time, the employees of Probe organized the run for Nessa’s operation. She needs P300,000 for her heart surgery and an additional P100,000 for aftercare.

As early as 6 a.m., runners flocked to the UP Oval to register. And there Nessa was, waiting for her guests. She was wearing her T-shirt and rubber shoes. Sadly though, Nessa could not join the run because she’s restricted to do physical activities due to her condition. Her parents were also forced to take her out of school.

Despite this, Nessa seemed contented just watching the crowd. She was frail, but she was beaming. When she smiled at me, my heart broke. I knew that in Nessa’s eyes everything was perfect, and bless her innocence for that, but we adults know that the hole in her heart is keeping her from living a normal childhood and having a future.

I looked at Tiong, and I saw how grateful he was to see that people cared. The organizers expected only 150 runners to attend, but 390 came! I went because I knew Tiong, but majority of those who attended received invitations through e-mail, and did not even personally know Nessa’s family.

The run was followed by an auction. It may not have been as prestigious as Sotheby’s, but it was surely more meaningful, especially, when you hear people shout, "Para kay Nessa" (for Nessa) as they gave their bid.

As of last Sunday, Probe was able to raise P183,000 for Nessa. P217,000 to go! Probe is planning to have an Ukay-Ukay (a.k.a. garage sale) to raise the difference. I can only imagine how many old clothes they have to sell before Nessa gets the operation she direly needs! However, I am confident that we can all help her. You may send your donations to: Probe Productions, Inc. at 13 Matipid St., Sikatuna Village, Diliman, QC or deposit to BPI Savings Account no. 3991-0029-35 Ortigas-San Miguel Branch. You can also bring your donations to all SM branches of David’s Salon.

For details, call Beth Manalaysay at 922-9273.

Maybe Nessa was right after all. Maybe there’s no hole in her heart. Because as far as she’s concerned, the love that she received last Sunday is more than enough to fill that hole.

Be a blessing! Let’s help little Nessa live.

Watch Takbo para kay Nessa on Studio 23’s Gameplan on Oct. 29, 1:30 p.m.