For nine-year-old renal patient Kehn Zachary Aquino, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist him and other people with medical problems is more than just a glimmer of hope—it’s a lifeline to a brighter future.

A resident of Orani, Bataan, Aquino successfully underwent a kidney transplant last February 12. But behind his recovery is the quiet struggle of his parents who worked tirelessly and sacrificed deeply to cover the cost of his life-saving operation.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyo mahal na Pangulo sa libreng gamot at laboratory (tests), dahil po dito, mas makaka-focus po ang aking mga magulang sa ibang pangangailangan, lalo na ang edukasyon,” Aquino said in a handwritten letter addressed to the President.

“Maganda po ang aking mga laboratory results at umaasang lalaki na po akong malakas at malusog. Pangako ko pong maging isang chef sa hinaharap,” he added.

The burden didn’t end with the surgery. Ongoing expenses for postoperative medication and laboratory tests threatened to shatter Aquino’s dream of becoming a chef.

“Hindi po naging madali ang paghanap namin ng pera at donor pero sa awa ng Diyos ako po ay isa nang kidney transplant recipient,” Aquino wrote.

Just when hope seemed out of reach for Aquino and his family, fate intervened.

President Marcos launched free post-transplant services through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), a lifeline that came just in time for the young boy.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Aquino wrote a heartfelt letter to the President, thanking him for the support that gave him a renewed chance at life—and at chasing his dream.

The nine-year old kidney transplant patient personally handed his letter to President Marcos at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) on Thursday during the President’s visit. I PND