'Step Juan' reaches halfway point of cancer walk

MANILA, Philippines – A group led by artist-activist Tomas Leonor reached yesterday the halfway point of their 1,294-kilometer walk to raise funds for children afflicted with cancer.

Around 25 days after taking the first step in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the members of Step Juan reached Metro Manila yesterday, escorted by 200 Quezon City police officers on their way to the University of the Philippines’ Diliman campus.

Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Elmo San Diego said he and his men will turn over around P50,000 for Step Juan today. Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa will grace the turnover rites at Camp Karingal, QCPD sources said.

“This is a show of our full support for Step Juan’s advocacy,” San Diego said.

Step Juan is soliciting donations – P10 per kilometer – for indigent children with cancer in the care of the Cancer Warriors Foundation. It is also raising awareness on the rising rate of pediatric cancer in the country, Step Juan said in a press statement.

Leonor, 27, with a rickshaw strapped to his waist, was walking briskly at the speed of four kilometers per hour despite spraining his ankle in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

“I will not allow the pain to stop me from finishing this journey because this is not about me living my dream but about putting a spotlight on the lives of the children afflicted with cancer,” he added.

Cancer Warriors Foundation founder James Auste said there is a growing outpouring of support from Filipinos not just in Luzon but all over the country.

“This is only the first phase. If the fund raising shows some promise, a phase two covering the Visayas and Mindanao might be launched,” AG Sano, one of Leonor’s walking partners, told The STAR.

The members of Step Juan is expected to arrive in Matnog, Sorsogon on Feb. 26 after walking through 33 major cities and 150 towns. – With Mike Frialde