MANILA, Philippines – “Away in a manger, no crib for his bed …” begins a popular Christmas carol describing the baby Jesus’ humble birth in a stable. This Nativity story comes to life at Child Haus (Center for Health Improvement and Life Development), where pediatric patients will be spending their last Christmas as their future hangs in a balance.
Child Haus is a halfway home for children seeking treatment for cancer and other debilitating diseases such as meningocele, hydrocephalus, biliary atresia, and congenital heart disease. As the new administration of PCSO preterminated its 50-year lease with the Philippine Tuberculosis Society (owner of the six-hectare Quezon Institute) and moved to new headquarters in PICC, the Child Haus residents now find themselves looking for a new home.
Hair guru-civic worker Ricky Reyes, who has taken on the role of “professional beggar” for Child Haus in the past seven years, feels deeply for the Child Haus residents and their impending eviction, and is spearheading the efforts for Child Haus’ forthcoming transfer.
“These children are already fighting for their lives. I do not want them to fight to keep a roof over their heads as well,” Ricky laments.
While the future location of Child Haus is still uncertain, Ricky believes that there is one thing the residents will appreciate this Christmas: the gift of time with people who care about what they are going through.
“Tell them a story, play with them, sing with them, paint a picture with them — this will go a long way towards easing their burden and making Christmas more meaningful for them,” Ricky asserts.