This allows individuals to push through challenges, overcome adversity, and achieve their goals, even when faced with obstacles that might seem impossible to achieve. The battle against Leprosy is difficult due to the limitations, disabilities, and the stigma faced by Persons Affected by Leprosy. One of the PALs that experienced this was Kuya Deniel.
Kuya Deniel is a 2nd year college student from Region III and was diagnosed with Leprosy last 2022. “A huge challenge that I faced when I was diagnosed with Leprosy is the social stigma associated with having the disease.”, stated by Kuya Deniel.
Regardless of struggles, people are more likely to have a positive view in life when they feel supported.
“The only thing that helped me overcome hardships and thrive in life is the support that I felt from my loved ones and those who are willing to help me.”, stated by Kuya Deniel.
Skin Check: Kuya Deniel during his skin smear tests, a test which helps determine the presence of Leprosy in the body.
Due to consistent and successful medications, he was reported cured from the said disease last June 8, 2023. Based on the skin smear test results, a test which helps determine the presence of Leprosy, the patient is now considered cured and completely treated due to MDT (Multidrug Therapy), which is available in Rural Health Units within the country.
“As a cured Leprosy patient, I want my life story to be an example to others that having a disease is not a hindrance in reaching our dreams. It would be better if all of us would stand together in fighting the stigma and discrimination, and give those who are affected by the disease a chance to overcome struggles and to live a better life.”
Efforts to combat leprosy are not only through medical assistance but also social and psychological support. Sorok Uni Foundation was able to help through the UNI for PALs Program - a program intended to provide social services, such as health assistance and spiritual empowerment to leprosy patients. Sorok Uni was able to assist individuals, but with the support of sponsors and donors, the organization was able to help communities.
Leprosy Free: According to kuya Deniel's skin smear test results, he is now cured and completely treated due to MDT (Multidrug Therapy), a treatment for Leprosy.
A Philippines without forgotten neighbors is possible because of the companies and groups' hearts to share to fellow Filipinos in need like PMA Class 79. Last June 10, 2023, Sorok Uni sealed a partnership with them. The class is a group of Philippine Military Academy graduates of 1979. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the group aims to provide support to Sorok Uni’s beneficiaries. The said partnership will be beneficial in uplifting and empowering Filipinos, which will contribute in nation-building for the future. They aim to make their celebration meaningful by sharing what they have to those who have the least in life.
Apart from the PMA Class 79, the Rotary District 3810, Rotary District 7670, and Rotary Club of Manila Premier donated 30 wheelchairs through their Phenomenal Joint Mobility Project. The wheelchairs were given to the Leprosy patients of Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and to the beneficiaries in other communities in Sorok Region IV-A, Region IX, and MIMAROPA.
Signs for the Kababayans: Sorok Uni and PMA Class 79 signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the benefit of rebuilding the lives of fellow kababayans in need.
Sorok Uni Foundation envisions a Philippines without forgotten neighbors and it will always be open to individuals, groups, and companies that are willing to extend their helping hand for the benefit of a better Philippines for all Filipinos.
Support for Mobility: Rotary District 3810, Rotary District 7670, and Rotary Club of Manila Premier donated 30 wheelchairs for Sorok Uni Foundation's beneficiaries.
To ensure the integrity and credibility of being an avenue for extending help to those who are in need, Sorok Uni Foundation is now one of the non-government agencies that is PCNC (Philippine Council for NGO Certification, Inc.) accredited. PCNC is a private, voluntary, non-stock, nonprofit corporation, and is a self-regulatory body of the NGO sector. As the duly designated “Accrediting Entity”, the council’s main function is to accredit NGOs and Foundations that meet the established standards for good governance and management. Being accredited by PCNC means the organization provides quality service to the kababayans in need. In addition to this, it will help in strengthening the foundation’s programs and services.
Strengthening for fellow Filipinos in need: Sorok Uni Foundation being approved of a 5-year accreditation by PCNC will help in strengthening the foundation’s programs and services.
When people feel supported, they tend to experience a range of positive effects that can greatly contribute to their capacity to overcome hurdles and thrive in the face of hardships. Filipinos who are the least (unfortunate), the lost (displaced), and the last (marginalized) experience the difficult side of life - the lowest level of poverty and stigma. Supporting them will help them realize their full potential in triumphing over struggles and standing for themselves, which would develop them into better versions of themselves.