The warrior is a child

"The warrior is a child"

Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 3, 2009

At first glance, Kevin Golosino seems just like any typical nine-year old boy. Precocious, ‘makulit’ and energetic, you wouldn’t think that he has already survived four surgical operations in his young life.

Born to Iluminado “Nady” and Stella Golosino in June 30, 1999, Kevin was diagnosed with an imperforate anus when he was a newborn.

“An imperforate anus is a defect that occurs during the fifth to seventh weeks of fetal development. With these defects, the anus (opening at the end of the large intestine through which stool passes) and the rectum (area of the large intestine just above the anus) do not develop properly”. (Source: www.cincinnatichildrens.org)

“One hour after being born, the doctors performed a colostomy on Kevin. As a result, his stools were moved through the intestine drain into a bag attached to the abdomen. At two years old, he had a second operation na ginawaan ng butas ang puwet niya. After three months, through another surgery, the colostomy was closed”, shares dad Nady.

The heart of the matter

Other disorders associated with an imperforate anus include “spinal abnormalities, kidney and urinary tract malformations, tracheal and esophageal defects and disorders and congenital heart defects”.

In Kevin’s case, through a two-dimensional echocardiography or 2D Echo, a heart murmur was discovered. He had a congenital heart disease.

At five years old, Kevin encountered a problem with his heart. His nails turned blue and he was easily out of breath.

The doctor advised the Golosinos to bring Kevin to the Philippine Heart Center in Manila. He needed a surgical operation to correct the Tetralogy of Fallot.

“Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is an uncommon condition involving defects within the heart structures of infants and young children. Together, these defects result in oxygen-poor blood flowing out of the heart and into the body. It occurs in about five out of every 10,000 babies. With early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment, the majority of children with TOF live into adulthood”. (Source: www.mayoclinic.com)

To prepare for the heart operation in 2005, Nady applied for loans at the Davao City Water District (DCWD) where he is employed as a Principal Engineer Supervisor, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

But, unfortunately, even with the loans, they still had a difficult time raising the amount of five hundred thousand pesos to pay for the operation’s costs.

“We signed up for the Philippine Heart Center’s charity case. We waited and waited but there were a lot of cases that were piled up”, Nady sighs in frustration.

Nady also sought the help of a few political leaders but with disappointing results.

After six months of waiting, the money they loaned ran out and they had to go back to Davao.

Conquering tomorrow

Back in Davao, Kevin was so happy to be reunited with his caring and supportive siblings, Kimberly (20), Robrea (18), Kenneth (17) and Regin (15). He was also quite excited to be back in Maa Christian School and see his teachers and classmates.

However, the Golosinos were wary every time Kevin got sick with colds or cough. He would immediately be brought to the hospital for check-up.

“According to the doctor, some congenital heart disease patients suffer not from cardiac arrest but from complications. The heart cannot filter the blood properly. So, when Kevin has colds or cough, there is a tendency for the phlegm to reach the brain through the blood. Magkakaroon ng brain abscess”, illustrates Nady.

Last October 2008, one of the Golosinos’ worst fears came true, Kevin had brain abscess and had to undergo an operation that would cost two hundred thousand pesos.

The Golosinos’ compassionate community from the Couples for Christ, Singles for Christ and the Youth for Christ promptly organized a dinner for a cause dubbed as “A Night that Can Help a Child Conquer Tomorrow”. A total of one hundred thousand pesos was raised from the event.

“I am so thankful to my CFC community and our other relatives and friends for their generous donation. It really means a lot to our family”, expresses Nady.

Although the brain abscess was successfully taken out from Kevin, his neurosurgeon has warned that there is a chance for this condition to recur in less than a year.

“Until the surgical operation to correct the TOF is performed, Kevin is at risk and susceptible to infection”, explains Nady.

The warrior is a child

In spite of the many trials he has faced, Kevin’s unwavering faith in God has not faltered. The grade three honor student has a sunny disposition and continues to bring joy and happiness to the people around him.

He thanks God every time “he is stronger than yesterday” and considers every new day as a blessing.

As I watched the audio-visual presentation produced by the Youth for Christ showing Kevin’s life, I found it so appropriate that they chose the Christian song “The Warrior is A Child” by Twila Paris (locally performed by Gary Valenciano) as the theme song:

“Lately I've been winning battles left and right

But even winners can get wounded in the fight

People say that I'm amazing

Strong beyond my years

But they don't see inside of meI'm hiding all the tears

And they don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armor

The warrior is a child”

“Let us be agents of survival for a warrior who wants to win his battle”, the AVP ends with this touching message.

This 2009, I encourage everyone to make a meaningful difference in Kevin’s life by helping him conquer tomorrow! For pledges of support, you may reach Nady Golosino at (0919)4757191.

A Blessed New Year to all!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogpsot.com.