Written By Astrid Raisa Subingsubing, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines

Her bright yellow duster was pretty hard to miss, outdone only by her smile, even as she sat quietly in the waiting area of the medical mission that day in Tahanang Yaman, General Trias, Cavite. She heartily obliged to tell me her story, answering in between procedures and eager to share about her life.

Cecilia Bantelan is an 81 year old widow. She was 72 when her then-69 year old husband died of a heart attack in his sleep. Nanay Cecilia now lives with her 48 year old son, who is a teacher in Trece Martires, in a house loaned from PAG-IBIG. Her eldest daughter lives in Singapore with her husband who is an OFW, while her youngest daughter works as an administrator in the same school where her son teaches.

Nanay Cecilia used to sell clothes for a living, but she now suffers from shortness of breath, chest pains, high blood and back pain. Still, she remains an active member of their senior citizens’ association, doing her best to attend all the meetings. When at home, she still also does some chores, like sweeping the floor.

Cecilia Bantelan5Helen Munoz and Cecilia Bantelan
At the medical mission, Nanay Cecilia was checked by a doctor and given the medicine she needs. Her smile never faded, even as she left the site, accompanied by Helen Muñoz, president of their senior citizens’ association, who also served as a marshall for the medical mission. Helen says that they are blessed by and appreciate Nanay Cecilia’s faithfulness to the association.

Operation Blessing thanks Grace Bible Church of Central Florida and the local government of Cavite for partnering with us to provide healthcare for the residents of Cavite. You can follow suit and help more people like Nanay Cecilia get the  medical attention they need.  Call us at 477 7802 to 04 and 06 to find out how, or visit http://staging2.obphil.com/home.

Together, let us show our brothers and sisters that we care.