October 31, 2026
Never too old for baby steps
By Thania Florendo
If Ninoy Gillado had known the true gravity of his 11-year-old daughter’s condition, he would have come down sooner from their home in the mountains of Paitan, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, just to seek medical help. But as a member of the Alangan Manyan community, he knows that seeking medical assistance can be intimidating—the grueling physical travel, limited money, and unfamiliar lowland systems.
“Tzu Chi assured us that they would take care of us, and we trusted them,” 47-year-old farmer Ninoy shared after he met Tzu Chi for the first time in its 290th medical mission on May 22-23 in Victoria, Mindoro.
His eldest among three children, Jamaica, was like any other child who loved to play and explore. Her health concerns began when she was four. While playing in the streams together with other children to catch fish, she developed boils on her right foot. They lasted for weeks, and the only remedy they used was herbal. The swelling and deformity persisted until it became more painful that she could no longer straighten her foot properly.
Since then, she dreamed of walking without pain, praying consistently for it. Over the years, she learned to live with the pain and refused to let her condition get in the way of all the things she loves. She still plays volleyball, goes to school, and continues to live her life as normal as possible.
Ninoy and his wife Myra could only watch their daughter endure. The family depends on rice farming, with earnings further limited by the shared ownership of their land among his siblings. When the harvest is poor, their income suffers.
“As a farmer, if the harvest is low, then we don’t have income. We get paid ₱300 per day,” he shared. With limited resources, bringing Jamaica to a hospital for proper examination and treatment remained beyond their means.
“She was also approaching the end of Grade 6, then she told me that she was worried she might not be able to wear shoes for graduation,” Ninoy said.
Their opportunity came during Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ 290th medical mission. During the consultation, Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) volunteer Dr. Luisa Gaw examined Jamaica and referred her to an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation.
With the complexity of her condition, they were advised to come to Manila but the family was initially hesitant. “We haven’t been to Manila and I don't really know my way around there,” Ninoy said, but Tzu Chi assured them they would be guided throughout the process.
On July 23, Jamaica and her parents arrived in Manila and were accommodated at the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (ICM) while preparing for her medical appointments. The following day, she underwent her initial consultation with TIMA co-founding member Dr. Josefino “Jo” Qua and Dr. Edward Woo at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC).
She underwent bilateral leg x-rays and was advised that her foot must be corrected while she is still young, as it may later affect her spinal cord and result in scoliosis. Further examinations in the first week of August confirmed her condition as equinus deformity, or contracted Achilles tendon, which keeps the foot pointed downward and prevents it from flexing upward toward the shin.
Ninoy encouraged his daughter to stay strong, “Have the courage to get better. This is your chance to heal,” and Jamaica responded positively, wanting to finally heal.
Her treatment plan called for pediatric clearance from Dr. Rose Go before undergoing Achilles tendon lengthening with casting under the care of Dr. Woo on August 31. Tzu Chi provided her with a wheelchair and a walker while she recovered after the surgery. The months of September and October were spent tracking the healing of the cast until its complete removal on October 12.
The family was surprised that the assistance was something they had never imagined possible. “We went to the medical mission without expectations. When we were told that her case was complicated, we thought that was the end of it,” Ninoy recalled.
Jamaica’s successful operation carried the weight of years of prayers and quiet endurance. She remembered praying during the Christmas novena of dawn masses that she would one day receive the treatment she needed. It finally came true and during her recovery, the thought of returning home to her siblings strengthened her resolve.
The whole family is grateful to everyone who made the operation successful. Jamaica now looks forward to what lies ahead. She dreams of pursuing nursing in college, hoping to build a future where she, too, can care for others. Now, although she could only take baby steps in her recovery, the possibility of a life where every step brings her closer to her dreams is within reach.
“Thank you to everyone who helped us—to the Tzu Chi volunteers and staff, the Local Government of Victoria, Mindoro, Sir John Burtkenley Ong, Dr. Rose Go, Dr. Jo Qua, and Dr. Edward Woo,” Ninoy said, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
Before returning home to Mindoro, Jamaica visited the Free Clinic Services at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, for physical therapy. The sessions helped assess her mobility and prepare her for the next steps in her recovery.
Through the generosity of donors, Tzu Chi can reach Indigenous communities and people without access to medical care. With your support, more lives can be reached, and more people can receive the care they need. Donate to Tzu Chi today and help make recovery possible for others like Jamaica.
Metrobank:
Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Account Number: 163-3-163-07190-9
BDO:
Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Account Number: 011-9-7800-180-0
Jamaica Gillado’s initial consultation with Dr. Jo Qua at CGHMC on July 23 led to her referral to orthopedic specialist Dr. Edward Woo for further evaluation and treatment.
Jamaica Gillado underwent an Achilles tendon lengthening (TAL) procedure.
The procedure used the Z-plasty technique, which involves making precise incisions in the tendon to lengthen it and improve foot mobility.
With the chance to heal, Jamaica Gillado bravely underwent surgery on her right foot, with her father Ninoy staying by her side.
A few days after the surgery, Tzu Chi provided Jamaica Gillado with a walker and wheelchair to help her move around safely as she began her recovery.
Ninoy Gillado’s trust in Tzu Chi has helped pave the way for his eldest daughter’s journey to recovery.
Jamaica Gillado was advised to wear the cast for six weeks.
Jamaica Gillado returned to see Dr. Woo on September 21, 2026, for a follow-up and upper cast removal.
Jamaica Gillado was emotional as she finally felt her foot rest flat on the ground after the removal of her remaining cast on October 12.
Jamaica Gillado receives physical therapy sessions at Tzu Chi’s newly improved Free Clinic.
Jamaica Gillado was cleared to return home with instructions to continue daily foot exercises. During physical therapy, her family learned how to assist her with these exercises.
Jamaica Gillado happily tries on her new pair of shoes with a walker for support.