JOVELLEE'S STORY
Jovellee Dionglay, 9 years old and an orphan. She had lost her parents at a very young age. She was brought to the urgent attention of Asia America Initiative in October 2011 by our colleagues at Kythe Foundation in Manila to be included in our “Cancer Treatment for the Poor” or “The Art of Hope and Healing” program. Jovellee’s young body and mind had been fighting cancer for almost three years. She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, when she was just 6 years old.

For children with cancer like Jovellee, the best medical treatment alone is sometimes not enough to overcome terminal illness. Hope and faith that spring from love and art as an outlet for their emotions and creativity provide joy to heal their body and spirit. They draw extra strength from the people who give them their time and care. And even modest support from many donors adds up to enable us to purchase the required medicines and pay for hospital treatment costs. Fortunately, the partnership between Asia America Initiative and Global Giving provides our volunteers and Kythe Foundation with a golden opportunity to be there for these kids. AAI provides art and basic education classes and supplies. Kythe provides volunteers and sponsors willing to spend time with these wonderful children. Unfortunately, in the case of Jovellee, before AAI could raise and receive the funds through the Global Giving.org website to acquire the medicines and enter Jovelee into the Art of Healing program, she passed away. However we have identified many more children that need our love and support.

We should not get discouraged in this battle against terminal illness.  This integrated program transcends the Philippines as a model for many communities across the world. With your help, we will do everything possible to save the lives of children like Jovellee.  They are not simply unfortunate "throw away lives" but symbols of hope and peace for their impoverished and forgotten communities and models for "small miracles" that can happen when people are united by love and compassion.  We welcome our donors to be essential members as part of our "Art of Healing and Hope" team.  We will be there  for these children.   Together we will celebrate their healing. 

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