Joey del Prado: A survivor gives hope

I met Joey del Prado and her husband, Mike, in Madrid on the same day we were leaving for Sarria to start our Camino de Santiago. She came from the US, while Mike came from a business trip in another country. Aside from being alluring, as described by her husband, Mike, I discovered another reason to admire Joey. Beyond her warmth and friendship, Joey carries a story of courage, faith, and compassion that deserves to be told.

Joey is a survivor of a brain aneurysm. I can only imagine the fear and uncertainty that such a life-threatening experience brings to a person and her family. Yet, despite what she went through, Joey continues to embrace life and joined our walk for nine straight days.

The Camino was not easy. There were long walks, tired feet, physical discomfort, and moments when we had to dig deep to keep going. But Joey persevered and finished the pilgrimage with us. Seeing her complete the journey was a powerful reminder that the human spirit, strengthened by faith and determination, can overcome challenges that once seemed impossible.

I was particularly moved because Joey’s story is not simply about surviving. It is about what she chooses to do with the life she has been given.

Joey is the founder and president of Foundation for the Poor Inc., an organization born out of her lifelong commitment to humanitarian service. Its mission is to restore dignity, provide hope, and empower people in need through compassionate action rooted in faith.

It is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds meaningful partnerships with trusted nonprofit organizations around the world to serve underserved children and families in communities affected by poverty. This means US-based donors, both individuals and corporations, can deduct their contributions to the foundation from their federal income taxes, encouraging philanthropic support.

The foundation recognizes that poverty is not solved by occasional assistance alone. People need opportunities to improve their circumstances and build more secure futures. Its work includes supporting education, providing meals and school supplies, helping homeless individuals and families find shelter, and supporting rehabilitation and community development initiatives. It also promotes skills training and opportunities that can help people become more self-reliant.

Beyond immediate assistance, the foundation seeks to create lasting change by helping children, families, and communities gain access to education and resources that can improve their lives.

Its work has also extended to international humanitarian projects in Asia, Africa, the United States and, of course, the Philippines.

For more information about her foundation and how you can donate or contribute, you can visit its website at https://www.foundationforthepoorinc.org.

One initiative that particularly reflects this commitment is its effort to help address hunger by preparing meal packs for people who struggle to secure their next meal. The foundation also works with volunteers and partners, recognizing that the mission of serving the poor cannot be accomplished by one person alone.

Joey’s vision is to bring people together so that their individual blessings can become a collective force for good.

As I reflect on our Camino experience, I see a beautiful connection between Joey’s personal journey and her life’s mission. On the trail, we learned to take one step at a time, support one another when the going became difficult, and remain focused on reaching our destination.

Through her foundation, Joey brings that same spirit to people facing the difficult journey of poverty.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to walk alongside Joey. Our pilgrimage reminded me that we do not always know the full story of the people walking beside us. Sometimes, those who have faced life’s greatest trials are also the ones who teach us the most about courage, gratitude, and generosity.

Joey, your journey inspires me. You survived a life-threatening ordeal, completed the Camino with us, and continue to dedicate your time and heart to helping others.

May God continue to strengthen and bless you and the Foundation for the Poor. And may your example encourage more of us to share what we have with those who have less in life.

The greatest measure of a life is not simply how far we have walked, but how many people we have helped along the way.