I was sad today. Past tense.

I suddenly felt sad. So sad.

I remembered my dream last night / this morning. There will be a gift-giving event like MAY Birthday Project that’s going to happen on January and I was very happy and so excited. No, I wasn’t the one who organized it but I was really really excited to join. And then I woke up.

While I was taking a shower a while ago, I suddenly thought of that dream and then I felt really really sad. I was crying without tears but it’s a bit dramatic coz the water from the shower was pouring (Now I am laughing when I think about it. Haha.)

Why am (was) I sad?

Because ever since MAY Birthday Project (MBP) ended 2 years ago, I don’t hear (not literally) or read much about gift-giving events like that anymore (except for The Gift of Hearing of Ma’am Iche, Mommy G’s advocacy projects & Ate Cres’ upcoming event for PWD kids).

When there was MBP for 9 years, It seems like there were lots of gift-giving events like that here and there, and then WALA NA. I’m not talking about those that were organized by a certain group, organizations or companies, but ordinary citizens like you and me.

“In those 9 years, I have proven that we don’t have to be a celebrity, politician or someone who’s rich and has a lot of money in order to do something like that. From something that was so small, together with my close friends & family, I was able to start it. I did it, I continue doing it and surprisingly, it became bigger and better year after year, from 2007 to 2015.”

We really had to to end it after the 9th MBP and I seems to me that the joy of caring & sharing that MBP also ended with it and I am very disappointed.

I know it’s not my fault for ending it but I can’t help but feel so bad.

Para kasing ako lang ang natuwa sa tuwa ng mga nabigyan namin kahit alam ko na hindi naman ganon. Ganyan lang talaga ako mag-drama. :P

It’s just so sad and I comforted myself with 9 years worth of happy faces from all the MBP and prevent myself from crying & hyperventilating.

I don’t really know why I’ve suddenly thought about this. Maybe because it’s the December 1 today.

And BTW, I’m not so sad anymore.
  Advance Merry Christmas, everyone!  

It's a WONDERful life!

When I read Ate Pam Roman’s post about the WONDER movie block screening of PSOD, I was so ecstatic!

A post shared by Kcat Yarza (@kcatyarza) on Nov 23, 2017 at 7:42pm PST

“When given the choice between being right or kind, choose kind.”

Juan “Dickoy” Magdaraog organized this event in celebration of his 40^th birthday.

When he was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare neuromuscular disorder, they we’re told that he won’t be able to reach past 30, and he will be turning 40 tomorrow. A wonderful milestone for him and to commemorate this, Dickoy wanted to do something meaningful.

It’s not just meaningful, IT’S WONDERFUL!

“Greatness is not being strong but using strength to carry the most hearts.”

Last November 25, Dickoy held a movie block screening of Wonder for the benefit of the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD) – a non-profit organization that advocates and cares for people, especially children with rare diseases and 100% of the ticket sales went to PSOD. Wonderful!

“I've been given the chance to live longer than what I thought possible. It will be awesome to help others live longer than they thought possible too,” said Dickoy.

“Be kind for everyone is fighting a hard battle. Be kind.”

When I learned about Dickoy’s story years back, it really amazed me. I was inspired. It instantly became one of my motivations to keep doing what I’ve been doing and that I can do more because PWDs are Persons With Determination!

with Juan "Dickoy" Magdaraog

Finally! I was able to meet Ate Pam and Julia the pretty and cheerful “silent angel” who is battling with Rett syndrome – a rare, severe neurological disorder that affects mostly girls.

with Ate Pam & Julia

"We all deserve a standing ovation at least once in our lives."

I love the book! I love the movie! And you should see it too when it comes out to PH theaters in 2 days.

My Powerlifter #BestBrother

October 29, 2017 – We went to Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City for the 2017 Luzon Open and National Interschool Raw Powerlifting Championships that was hosted by the Powerlifting Association of the Philippines

My brother, Maro, and his FlexHub (fitness gym) team joined the competition.

The event was so long, but very much worth it and I actually had a great time watching the completion.

I’m not really a sport fanatic but I enjoyed watching sports competitions especially when someone I know or my friends know is / are participating in it, who doesn’t anyway?

The weight of the “weights” they were lifting — whatever you call that, is just so WOW!

It’s equivalent to:
• Kcat on a wheelchair.
• Kcat times two.
• Kcat Yarza times three.
• Kcat Yarza times four.

Kcat's weight is about 50 kg, so figure it out.

I had fun watching the yellow & red lights too that signals if the powerlifter did good (yellow light) or not (red light).

It was really fun, good thing I brought  with me the baby rattle that my niece left behind at our house. I used the rattle in lieu of clapping my hands. Haha.

SQUAT

BENCH PRESS

DEADLIFT

And so Maro won a gold medal!

He got the highest score in the men’s high school division.

Let me share with you the conversation of my mom & my brother after the competition:

Mami: “Anak, what did u learn from your competition experience?”

Maro: “Wala nman akong expectations. Wala akong paki.”

Mami: “But see, mabait ka kasi and God-fearing. Whatever your prayers nung anticipated mass (the day before the event)...... GOD gave you more than what you asked for!”

Maro: “l love God.”

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! hank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

So my tumor shrunk

"How did your tumor shrink? What did you do?"

I’ve been getting those questions lately and here is my answer:

What did I do to make it shrink? NOTHING.

Maybe it’s because I’m drinking Reliv Now with LunaRich.

Maybe because of the the turmeric and black pepper capsule that I’m taking.

I don’t know. I really don’t. It really just happened. Last September 11, it was still big and painful and then TAAA-DAAA and then 6 days after, TAAA-DAAA again!!

But this I’m very very very sure of:
GOD made this happen!

No, I'm not irritated because people keep answering these questions. Actually, I'm really so amazed and I want to share it to everyone that's why I am posting it.

____________________

Or maybe, it’s because I am exercising my legs and the tumor lose its weight. Haha. Just kiddin

13 years of winning versus NF

I was having double vision. Went to neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist. EMG (electromyogram) test said something is wrong with my nerves. What is it? Undefined. Then MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain it is! There were 3 big white spots on my MRI plates. Brain tumors. I have brain tumors. I didn’t feel sad, or maybe a bit sad at first; though I really can’t remember feeling sad that time. In fact, when I got home, I was running around our compound raising and telling everyone that I have brain tumors like I was on a show and tell. I was definitely happy about it, buy why should I feel sad when I don’t feel sad. In fact, I was amazed because not everyone has brain tumors. Maybe I’m really weird. Haha. And now I know the answer: FAITH. I from from the start that everything has a reason, I didn’t know what that reason is, I have no idea what is it, but I know that there is.¬

After 2 or 3 visits to the neurosurgeon’s clinic, I was diagnosed with NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 2 (NF2) on October 15, 2004.

All along, I thought it was August 2004 but then again I saw that my first MRI was done was on September 29, 2004 (link the fb album) and I was able to figure it out, thanks to my blog, an online journal & my memory.

I was diagnosed a day before our simple DBS Batch 2000 get-together at Dencio’s Grill in Megamall. I can recall telling them that I have neuro something something – a long & tongue twisting word “basta may brain tumors ako” – I can recall cheerfully saying those words. Haha.

That was also the day (err, night) that we (Lea, Pau & I) became friends with Madie again. That was one of my significant “everything has a reason” in life.

Madie organized and gathered some of our batch mates and found a way to raised funds for me at Don Bosco Technical College Alumni Homecoming & Jig concert in 2005 in Jig 2006 as well and so on.

Later on, we found out that I have the type 1 (NF1) as well and all my diagnosis (or misdiagnosis) in the past were ann symptoms of NF1.

“You don’t look sick.”
“Maybe you are sad about it and you are just hiding it.”
“You must be in a lot of pain.”
“Are you really alright?”
“Are you sure you are not scared?”

My family & friends keep telling me those words especially whenever I say: “I AM OK”

I keep telling them that I am fine, being sick and having brain tumors really doesn’t make me feel sad, I am not scared (not a bit), etc.

No, I don’t really find it irritating because I understand the reason they are saying those words. Those are their TLC (tender loving care).

I wrote this on October 17, 2004:

“She (Tita Angie) asked me what I really feel daw. I told her, "tanggap ko" (“I accept it”). I’m not trying to hide my feelings. Whatever I'm showing, ‘yun na ‘yon (that’s it). Why should I cry? Why should I get lonely? Ano magagawa non dba?! (What can it do, right?!) I shouldn't stop living life the way i want it to be just because I’m sick. Lalo lang ako magkakasakit (The more will I get sick) like depression or something.

There’s a reason behind all these. I know there is. O diba?! (Right?!) Is this really me?! I'm not just showing you that I'm a strong person even though I’m really scared. I need to be strong, but I’m not really that scared. Ganito lang talaga ako. (This is really how I am) Even in the hardest situations, I still try to look on the positive side of things. Even if it's isn't visible, I will really find it. 

Hindi ako nagpapaka-manhid (I’m not being numb). This is how I am. This is how I take it. Smile nalang (just smile). I don't really want people's pity, though I’m really touched whenever someone comforts me or lets me feel their concern. As in! Promise. But you don't really have to think about it a lot of times and be bothered by it. Sige na nga, alam ko na hindi niyo naman mapipigilan mag-worry kaya (Okay, I know that you can’t really stop being worried, so) THANK YOU.”

 And then on November 19, 2004

“My mom and I went to PGH this morning to meet with the chairman of neurosciences, Dr. Willy Lopez, for a second opinion. Well, I really need to undergo surgery. Maybe in 2 weeks.. 3 weeks.. I’m not sure but I think it's gonna be within this year which is in less than 2 months.. Hay-ay-ay! Hehe!”

At one look on my MRI plates (When we barged his office. Haha.), he knew that it was NF2 at once.

We visited Dr. Lopez’ clinic the following week and then he became my doctor and took care of me since then.

Ever since then, a lot of thing had happened. Good things. Bad thing. Problems. Pain. Struggles. Triumphs. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Like you and most people, I also felt like I was pushed flat on the ground, everything's seems wrong and I can't do anything about it, but I chose to stand up and move, Little by little, with all of my might, no matter how little it is. I’ve fought, I’m still fighting and I’ll always be fighting through life.

While tapping my head, my mom said, “You are so blessed!”

And because I keep moving and fighting, the blessings that I’ve been receiving are my reward. So, the bigger the battle that we’ll conquer, the bigger the reward.

And I am very grateful because God put me in this kind of battle; a battle that HE is a part of.

Cheers to 13 years of living an AWESOME LIFE despite of battling with NF!

Those are tumors. Blue and green are the colors of NF. 13 years. And 13 is also my favorite number.

Suddenly, the tumor on my left leg became smaller & smaller

Wednesday night, when I was exercising with Michelle, I told her that I’m puzzled and a bit confused because the tumor on my left leg seems like it got smaller again but I’m really not sure.

GOD surprised me today!

A very very very AMAZING thing happened tonight!!!!!!

After my kicking exercise, instead of putting down my left leg, I placed my left foot above my right knee; dume-kwatro & when I touched the lower part of my left leg, I WAS SO SURPRISED! I kept saying: “Parang lumiit?!” I was talking about the tumor. It became smaller! It’s still there, but smaller. The best part is, it doesn’t hurt anymore.

A M A Z I N G

And I know and I’m sure that this is all God’s doing.

Why?

During my checkup last May or June (I’m too lazy to check), I told Dr. Lopez about the tumor on my leg that’s getting bigger & painful. He touched it & it was a bit painful and said that it’ll that it’ll be hard to remove it.

A certain brain tumor become aggressive it’ll make my left leg weaker and I was kinda worried that this leg tumor might become bigger and much painful. I was so worried about it but I didn’t tell anyone but God. I didn’t really prayed and asked Him to remove it, make it calmer or make it smaller. I just told Him about it just like how I usually have a conversation with my friends; that’s how I really talk with Him ever since whenever.

I didn’t pray for it but HE GAVE IT TO ME!

Like always, therefore I conclude:
GOD IS IN CONTROL

KCAT CAN : I have a pen that writes (Php 400)

I'm bringing Christmas earlier this year...


I am lowering the price of Because the book KCAT CAN : I have a pen that writes.

From 450, it  is now only

Php 400.

HEALTH IS WEALTH

I posted this on Instagram and I want to pst this here too...

BAD GENES = TURNS IT OFF

GOOD GENES = TURNS IT ON

Yes, it comes with a price (not cheap) but lesser risk of other sickness and these "other sickeness" comes with a price too.

Do not be afraid. Keep going. Never give up.

People often ask me for advice about life and stuff but I’m not too keen on giving advice because I don’t really think I really know the right words to say. Instead, I share what I can from my own personal experiences. Everything I say is based on a true story — my story.

From time to time, I get to talk with different friends who are all going through the same things in life: feeling lost, hopelessness, losing faith frustrations, scared of facing what tomorrow might bring, problems, etc. etc. etc.

Here are some of the words I said to my friends that I believe are too good not to share:

Trisha and her barley business

A couple of days ago, my NF Friends, Jizel and Trisha suddenly decided to go to our house.

And then a couple of hours later...

TAYO TAYO

NEW LEVEL UNLOCKED

Last night, I felt so lazy again to do my exercise. I AM A LAZY PERSON. Really. I reasoned out to Michelle that the weather is so hot and I had a mild headache that day. Though I was already fine. Everything has a reason and when we are lazy, we can easily come up with reasons and excuses, right? I always fo that so I know.  Haha. And then while we were talking, I told her that I think I can stand on my own, I just need to lean my lower leg & knees on the bed. I think I can do it. And then I got curious.

May 13 is Kcat’s Birthday and then May 14 is Mother’s Day

May 13 came once again. I was happy because of course it means 34 years of life, but at the same time, I was a bit sad because it will be the first time in 34 years that my mom won’t greet me personally on my birthday coz she is admitted in the hospital (that’s what I really wanted for her though).

Wanna know my birthday wish?

“Most of us consider our birthdays as a significant and meaningful event in our lives. We celebrate it in different ways, but what is important is that we have to be thankful because it is the day that we had been given our precious life here on earth. We have to live through the days, months, and years in spite and despite all the events in our lives.

Having another birthday means a new day is waiting for us to experience life. We may be a year older, but we definitely grow wiser and stronger.”

(28 years – May 23, 2011)

Why are you not 100% PWD-friendly, Circuit Makati? WHY?

Dear Circuit Makati,

I’ve been hearing (reading, technically, for I am deaf) a lot of good things about you – good online reviews and positive feedback from family and friends. To celebrate my dad’s birthday, we wanted to try a different place. As I went out of the car, the view from the parking was nice – it was spacious and well-lit in the evening. I was excited! There was even a designated PWD parking slot. But for a little while, I WAS STUCK. There was no pathway for my wheelchair to access the mall - NO RAMPS IN SIGHT AND BIG HEAVY PLANT POTS FENCED ONE SIDE. So, HOW? How do I get to the mall? How do I get out of the parking lot?  Fortunately, kuya guard willingly helped when asked (Thank you). He moved the pot to give enough space for me to pass.

Stepping up to show compassion by Tan Yi Liang

My story was featured by my awesome journalist friend (who keeps on refusing to believe that he's awesome...everyone that I call "my friend' is awesome, y'know). He is a Malaysian.

You can read this beautiful & inspiring article here: Stepping up to show compassion by Tan Yi Liang.

Will there be a MAY BIRTHDAY PROJECT?

The answer is: NO

MAY IS NEUROFIBROMATOSIS (NF) AWARENESS MONTH

When we are aware about something, we start caring about that something and because of caring, great things can happen; small and big things.

I made an NF AWARENESS Twibbon that can be used by anyone and everyone – with and without NF. Use this and show your support. It may be a simple and trivial thing to do but this little thing ban bring us closer to greater things.

https://twibbon.com/Support/nf-awareness-month-2

Know all about NF and share the information to at least one person. In this way, we can make NF known and increase the possibility of finding a cure for it.

Be aware about NF and show everyone that you care.

Please visit our page:
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS FRIENDS (Philippines)

A beautiful miracle happened to me 11 years ago

April 17, 2006. Just like today, it was the Monday after Easter Sunday and that Monday from 11 years ago means so much to me.

It all started during Lenten Season in 2006. Everything dawn on me. I am so weak. I look very much different from a couple of months before. I am totally deaf. I can’t walk. I can’t chew and swallow properly. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. It felt like everything and everyone is moving with time and I was already left behind. I was sad. I had a hard time sleeping. It was an anxiety attack. It felt like I was already going to die because of my condition that time. I kept telling myself that’s It’s alright. 22 years (I was 22 years old then) is already enough.

But what really comforted me were all the bible verses and prayers that were posted on the wall beside my bed. I didn’t talk that much and the only One who I talk comfortably with was God. I’m just so used to talking to Him like how I talk with the people who are close to me. Since I don’t need to put much effort talking to Him and I won’t get tired. I don’t need to use any of my weak strength. All I had to do was think. Everything that I think about was passed on to Him so I don’t really keep everything to myself.

Holy Week 2006. I felt worse and worse and worse. I kept saying, “I’m going insane. I’m going insane.” I don’t understand what’s happening to me and to me, it really felt like going insane. That time, I just don’t understand. It was like an Angel versus Devil scenario in my mind. The one that we watch & read. The angel versus the devil. Yes, that was how it was. Crazy, right?

My mom kept reminding me to continue fighting and then placed a small silver crucifix on my hand and I never let go of it. I held it in my hand, in between my palm every time, any time and all the time.

My “I’m going insane. I’m going insane.” chant became “On Sunday. On Sunday.” I was looking forward to Easter Sunday. I was counting the days until Easter Sunday and I don’t know why, I just want it to be Easter Sunday already.

Easter Sunday finally arrived, nothing special happened to me. I still don’t know why I was excited for it to arrive. Still, I was happy. That’s all.

A very very very AMAZING thing happened the next day! I felt so good and while I was having my breakfast, I cheerfully told my mom that we’ll get better! “I will get better! You will get better!” and then my grandma came inside the house and I told her that she will get better too. With full of joy and excitement, I kept on saying “We will all get better!”

After a while, I told my mom, “Life must go on.” that I will give my best in everything. I can still do a lot of things despite my disabilities.

JESUS LIVES

and He brought my dying spirit back to life!

images from google

The superpower of BIONIC KCAT THE TUMOR RAIDER

I was browsing through my old files when I saw this. I can't find that quiz I took at WebMD in 2013.

Presenting.. my superpowers:

Today is my MOST FAVORITE DAY!

We’ve been friends since we were 4. I’m not sure if she the one who was 4 or I was the one who’s 4 or both of us were 4 years old. Probably it was summer vacation and both of us were 4 years old. Let’s just assume that it all happened in the middle of March 25, 1988 and May 13, 1988. 

They live in Taguig back then but is often in Mandaluyong. She was one of my playmates. We grew up together (along with the rest of the GYA Peeps.)

 There were Kyannahs, Dianas, DMK, ChaKhaDaiKcaMiYeKy, etc. 

There were lots of parties, baseball, volleyball, badminton, picnic sa labas ng bahay, outings, tambay nyts, lots of street games, plants that became foods, candy wrappers that became money, adventures and more more more plus lots of party organizing headed by Daisy, Michelle and Kcat. 

These 2 girls are my LONGEST CLOSEST BESTEST FRIENDS. 

Daisy — who I’ve known since I was 2 years old (I can still remember that we often play on the rocking chair together with Taj, Maan & Donna). 

Michelle — the mataray pero mabait na bata who I met and became friends with when I was 4.

October 4 is my favorite day because it’s the day that Daisy becomes the same age as me. But there something bigger: MARCH 25 – my most favorite day because its MICHELLE’s birthday and the 3 of us share the same number in terms of age.

Happy Birthday to one of my longest closest bestest friends, my cousin, my teacher, my motivator, my alalay, my ka-chikahan, my lakwatsa buddy, my supporter especially in my kalokohan (ssssss), my exercise buddy, my foodtrip buddy, my food supplier, my listener, my cheerleader, my caregiver, my model (She was our model when we joined a fine arts fashion show in college and we won 2^nd place!) etc. etc. etc.

Thank you for being born

MICHELLE YARZA TUASON!!!

I aM POSSIBLE!

In 2008, I gave myself the best birthday gift from my hard-earned money. I was able to buy

KCAT YARZA DOT COM 

February 14 is GALS Day

Move over Valentine’s Day, today is GALS Day!!!

GALS is Graciano Altre Lopez Sr. He is the husband of Diding (Mang). He is the father of Vic, Jun, Belle, Miriam, Madge, Angie & Jim. He is the grandfather of Miguel Franco, Maria Kathrina, Jonathan Mark, Cristopher Jason, Ana Celina, Mark Anthony, Valerie Ann, Talitha Karisse, Viella Mae, Paul Michael, Paula Therese, Holy Ann, Janna Mariz, Allen David, Juan Mikhail +, Chrissie Ann, Patricia Nicole, Kiefer Jan, Maro Luiz, Jesper Ryan and Atom.

He died on February 14, 2000 due to heart ailment. We call him PAPA or Papa Lolo and everyone else called him Noning.

 Papa Noning is G.A.L.S. and it is not mere acronym of his name for us, but happiness, love and togetherness because that is what he shared and taught when he was still with us.

Almost all of my happy childhood memories were spent with my cousins from the maternal side, and all gratitude I give to our lolo Papa. “Basta bigyan niyo ako ng maraming apo,” those were Papa’s words as he blessed the weddings of all his children.

I remember having many overnight stays with my cousins at my grandparents’ house in Mandaluyong. Good thing our home is just a few blocks away but my cousins who live in Navotas, Muntinlupa, Makati, Pasig, and Cainta were all personally fetched by Papa. How fond of and loving he was to us.

During summer, the whole family traveled to Aloleng in Agno, Pangasinan to stay at our Papa and Mang’s vacation house. We frolicked in the beach, ran around the grassland, climbed up the tree house Papa made for us, picked mangoes and chicos, and made campfires.  Because of these bonding moments, my cousins and I have been like siblings who are really close to each other, up until now.

Papa was a survivor. He faced a lot of accidents, from minor accidents like falling down the ladder, to major ones like a vehicular accident, and serious burns from a fire accident; but he bravely overcame all these and continued on with his life. Now that I think about it, it was through Papa where I witnessed the real meaning of the quote “Life must go on”.

YOU ARE LOVED

Love is a most potent force.  It does make our world go round.  It puts gladness into hearts, making them skip with joy and excitement.  In most countries around the world, and since time immemorial, a day is specially celebrated for love’s sake.

There are several stories that tell about the origin of Valentine’s Day.

There is one that tells of a Roman citizen who was martyred on February 14 for refusing to give up Christianity and for helping Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons.

Another person named Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".

There is also a story that tells about St. Valentine, a priest who was jailed for defying Emperor Claudius who outlawed marriage for young men because the Emperor believed that single men made better soldiers that those with sweethearts, wives and families. St. Valentine saw it as an injustice and continued to perform marriages in secrecy.  He was beheaded on February 14, at around 270 AD.

The origins and history of why we celebrate the day of hearts on February 14 may differ; nevertheless, it puts emphasis on a common subject – LOVE.  And celebrating LOVE is precisely what Valentine’s Day is all about.

Giving love and celebrating love on Valentine’s Day is not limited only to the romance between two hearts (romantic love).

Not being in a romantic relationship does not mean one is loveless.

Love is everywhere.  Love is free.  It is a God-given blessing for us to give as well as to receive.

NDREI: THE LITTLE WARRIOR who I love

I love NDREI so much!

(Migraine aura is preventing me in finding our last picture together, I have a picture of him in my heart though.)

I wrote about Ndrei Riña in 2014. And I became friends with Ndrei & her mom, Rubi (along with Ndrei’s 2 younger siblings, Eli and Sam). I really admired Ndrei’s Faith in God. Yes, I have a very big FAITH IN GOD and that’s the reason part of the reason why I am amazed with him. A very young boy who is battling a chronic illness is able to have that big and strong Faith. He is still very very cheerful and very positive child despite everything.

And then on September 2016, Ndrei died.

He lost the battle with Liver Disease, but he was able to touch a lot of lives and helped them gain something (a lot of things) from life.

Ndrei may have been gone, but the film NDREI: THE LITTLE WARRIOR IS BORN!

Mommy Rubi shared Ndrei’s amazing, inspirational and touching story and made the script. They were able to start and produce the film by using all that was left o NDrei’s previous medical funds.

Through this film, they’ll be able to share Ndrei’s very inspiring and touching story while raising awareness about the struggles of persons with a deadly Liver Disease, especially on children and how their family and love ones lives with it.

At the same time, the proceeds of this film will benefit a couple of children with Liver Disease (Biliary Atresia).

The film is already completed and fully done.

They need to raise more funds so that they can be able to do a premiere showing of the film so that the MTRCB can be able to review it and that everyone can watch how inspiring Ndrei’s life was by having it shown in cinemas and schools Nationwide.