Childhaus does not only serve as temporary shelter but also a source of inspiring stories — stories of survival, sacrifice and perseverance that test the human spirit as reflected in the lives of Ronalyn, Sython and Aliya.

Sython Rinos was only six months old when he was rushed to the Tacloban Public Hospital. He was vomiting and his face, hands and legs had shown a blue discoloration.

Baby Sython was born in Javier, Leyte, to farmer Elton John and housewife Syrin. With no resources, the couple sought the help of their town mayor, Sandy Javier, who mediated his case to ChildHaus.

Due to his weak condition, however, Sython’s surgery had to wait until he was strong enough for a heart bypass operation. Sleeping with an oxygen machine by his side, Sython was given proper medical care and nutrition at ChildHaus with both his parents looking after him. After 11 months of nurture at ChildHaus, Sython, who is now in a stable condition, is ready for his chance at the Philippine Heart Center.

Aliya Sayler was only 13 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She was bedridden and very weak when she was brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). She needed to undergo eight cycles of chemotherapy and two sessions of bone marrow aspiration (BMA).

Coming from a humble family in Indang, Cavite, traveling between Manila and Cavite for the treatment proved to be too difficult for them. They were then sent to seek help at ChildHaus. There she received free medical care, board and lodging. After completing the treatment, she was again committed to undergo a second, eight cycles of chemotherapy and another two sessions of BMA. ChildHaus became Aliya’s home for three years while her parents took turns to see her through.

She’s now turning 17 and is ready to leave the center. Aliya was given leg braces, a gift from ChildHaus, for easy mobility. She is now required only a few more visits to PGH for continuous health monitoring.

The crowd applauded cheerfully for Ronalyn Bataller, first runner-up of Miss Teen Matacon in Bicol. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, underwent an ovarian surgery and given by doctors four months to live. The heartbreaking news did not dampen her spirits and she resolved to fight and survive for the sake of her two siblings.

She is now 19 and acting as big sister to the afflicted children at the center. Her story did not go unnoticed that good Samaritans from the GMA Entertainment Group gave Ronalyn and her siblings a sari-sari (convenience) store.

Now on its 16th year, Childhaus does not only serve as temporary shelter but also a source of inspiring stories — stories of survival, sacrifice and perseverance that test the human spirit as reflected in the lives of Ronalyn, Sython and Aliya.

Thanks to the determination of Ricky Reyes and SM’s Hans Sy, children like Ronalyn, Sython and Aliya are given another chance in life. With the help of volunteers, ChildHaus continuously extend a helping hand to the afflicted and in need.