June 1, 2013
NANAY NORMA: A LITTLE HELP TO AN OLD MOTHER
Nanay Norma, a 73- year-old widow from Camarines Sur, has seven children, four of who are unfortunately suffering with muscular dystrophy. It is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of muscle fibers, causing paralysis of the lower body leading to total inability to stand and walk. Four of Nanay Norma’s children developed this decease before they reached the age of 30.
In such a situation, instead of Nanay Norma being taken-cared of by her children in her twilight years, it is her four children Joelma, Joeker, Jeoly and Joedo, who depend on their mother physically, emotionally and financially. It is also heart breaking to learn that her husband died four years ago of hit and run, the case of which still remains unresolved until today.
When asked what Joelma (38 years old), Joeker (34 years old), Jeoly (36 years old) and Joedo (42 years old) would do should their mother be no longer available for them in the coming years, they shared their thoughts of ending their lives.
What we at The Little Swallow, Inc. can offer to the family now is our most fervent prayers that each one of them especially Nanay Norma may find enough strength, peace and happiness despite the trials they are currently experiencing. We were able to personally meet one of Nanay Norma’s children who is spared of the disease, Mr. Jose Pilapil Jr. Teary-eyed, he expressed his sincerest thanks for having known The Little Swallow, Inc. and for the financial assistance the organization has extended to his family. (gpr/cvs)