Reunion of Saved Babies

Every first week of October, we celebrate the National Newborn Screening week (Presidential Proclamation 540, signed January 2004). And as a volunteer of VYLH (Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health), I did some volunteer works at the hospital, telling people (especially the pregnant moms) to screen their babies 24-72 hrs after birth in order to detect genetic disorders and treat them before it's too late. 

Several volunteers across the country have their own perks and activities during the National Newborn Screening Week. From the simplest act of distributing pink brochures and giving free lectures about the campaign to the grandiose Pink Day Campaign initiated by Joan Barredo of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. Some of my co-volunteers, like Chessa Chan and her friends even ventured to the far-flung barangays and health centers of Iligan City to relay the pertinent information about the importance of New Born Screening.

The Pink Campaign led by Joan Barredo of Ateneo de Zamboanga City

NBS Campaign at Iligan City led by Chessa Chan

It was such a fulfilling activity, knowing that we have actually saved lives.

I have been an active volunteer of VYLH for more than a year already and I can say that I have a learned A LOT from it.

In line with the NBS Week, the New Born Screening Center Mindanao together with the volunteers of Region 11 conducted its first Reunion of Saved Babies activity held at Abreeza Ayala Mall, Davao City.


The said activity was attended by almost a hundreds of babies that were saved from genetic disorders through new born screening together with their parents and/or guardians. The activity was filled with fun games, well, not just for the kids but also for the parents as well. A few parents also shared their testimonials about new born screening. Because of it, their child was spared from mental retardation thus living a normal life. I got teary eyed, knowing that our hard work had finally paid off.

Here are some photos of the said activity:

Family picture!

Three-year old Angeline. She was diagnosed with G6PD (Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency) but lived a normal life, thanks to the early detection and treatment.

The forever energetic Katrina Gurro, one of the hosts of the show. As always, everyone was entertained by her.

Angeline's our favorite baby. :)

"How old are you?"

Her name's Princess. She kept on staring at Katrina. Kat even joked, "Natingala siguro ang bata sa akua, kung tao ba jud ko o kahoy o unggoy."

Region 11 volunteers

With Ate Ferly!

Here's Shane, explaining the importance of new born screening to this guy. Apparently, the guy's also wearing pink, the official color of New Born Screening. What a coincidence!

Katrina's way hotter and more talented than Kitchie Nadal!

With Ate Ferly and Shane!

LOL!

Class Picture!!!

A drop of blood can save a baby's life.

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