Update on NHSOC Fund Raising for Bryan as of April 24, 2008

By Chona Villafuerte-Go NHS Batch '86
NHS On-line Community Website Administrator

“We can make a difference in so many ways!...”

Great news everyone!! I am very excited to announce that we've already reached our initial target of P120,000.00 to help cover the costs of buying a prosthesis leg for Bryan Sanchez NHS Batch ’98. In just 42 days, the 11th of April, we have already received a total cash donations of P138,580.00 and pledges of about P17,000.00. Applause! Applause! Applause!!! Thru our global announcements and the web we have been able to spread the word about our NHSOC fund raising in support to Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria’s (Former NHS Assistant Principal) – “An Appeal For A Noble Cause”. I hope that this goes some way in describing this exciting stage in our fund raising campaign where we need not wait for christmas to make Bryan’s dream a reality, and that it puts into perspective just how important all the help we have received from our many generous donors by far. As the saying goes, “Every little bit makes a difference, no matter what level of support one can afford.”

Together with Bryan Sanchez (and his whole family), Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria and everyone here at NHS On-line Commnity, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the following people for already sending in their cash donations:

Anonymous Donor Batch 1971
Emelita Mendoza Sy Batch 1974
Pet Roldan Hartman Batch 1974
Rainier Cruz Batch 1974
William Ngayan Batch 1974
Cora Duque Holloway Batch 1975
Rodney Promentilla Batch 1974
Rose Cruz Batch 1979
Jesus Canlapan Batch 1981
Thess Bajandi Batch 1982
Abigail De Leon Batch 1984
Laura Aquino Song Batch 1984
Janette Ellson Espinosa Batch 1985
Ronaldo Dalistan Batch 1985
Archiwald Penamante Batch 1986
Chona Villafuerte Go Batch 1986
Emmanuel Ison Batch 1986
Rhodora Galang Villenas Batch 1986
Rolando Favor Batch 1986
Lemuel Villenas Batch 1987
Lowell Villenas Batch 1989
Gerry Estacion Batch 1993
Lourdes Cecilia Villenas Estacion Batch 1993
Abigail Faye Ison Batch 2009
and Mrs. Sevilla

and to the following for their cash pledges:

Batch 73 Alumni Members c/o Batch '73 Alumni Pres. Ike Calicdan
Rosalia Sisic Franco Batch 86
Rommelito Nuque Batch 90

Also, I would like to specially thank the following NHSOC members:

-Beth Ellson-Fernandez Batch 84, for forwarding my NHSOC Global announcement last March 1st to their Batch ’84 yahoo group resulting to her batchmate Abby making a pledge in support of our fund raising efforts.

- Amelia Awitan Batch 84, for personally handing over her classmate’s (Laura Song) donation to Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria.

- Thess Bajandi Batch ‘82, due to the urgency of funding needed and the bank closing time, she made it somehow to the bank before 5PM (^_^) last April 4th and withdrew the necessary funds from our NHSOC A/C. Bryan Sanchez was then scheduled for measurement the next day April 5th and was required to pay an initial payment of P40,000. Due to limited banking hours (UCPB is close on a Saturday) and remittance delay from our donors, not enough funds were available back then. Hence, the decision to borrow funds from our NHSOC A/C was made.

- Ronaldo Dalistan Batch ’85, for helping me coordinate with Thess and Manny about the NHSOC funding needed...which goes to say I'm also thankful for Yahoo Messenger for making it easier to connect with our Phil. based NHSOC treasurers while I'm here based in LA...^_^

- Emmanuel Ison Batch ’86 for wholeheartedly agreeing to pick up the NHSOC borrowed funds late at night on April 4th from Thess and then hand them over to Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria the next early morning of April 5th, that same day when Bryan had his measurements.

(Thanks Thess, fLik and Manny....you guys are definitely the best!! ^_^)

Once again thru the support of individuals like you we are able to make Bryan’s dream a reality. Your cash donation along with the pledges will allow us to continue helping Bryan get fully adjusted to his prosthesis leg and finally getting around on his feet with much confidence.

For those not in the know, last Saturday, April 19th Bryan had his first prosthesis fitting and a trial session. Sharing the excitement with our NHS On-line Community members Mr. Sta. Maria said on his email, “Of course Bryan was full of excitement and anticipation of how it will work on him and eventually change his outlook towards life after four years of waiting to get this much needed artificial leg – so much sacrifices were taken with persevering attitude that someday help will come along until our campaign for a noble cause came about. Today Bryan can wake up every morning with face full of smile looking forward for a brighter future. That same day, he was able to take the leg home for more practice at home and at work. He went straight home to show the new leg to his family who were all waiting with equal excitement and anticipation. More pictures were taken at home and more walking and movements were done in front of the camera. He will be back to the clinic after a week for more observation in preparation for the final touch and once it becomes very comfortable for him we can finally say, “Welcome Bryan To Your New World! More news this coming Saturday, April 26th. Good day everyone. Thank you and a never ending expression of appreciation for all your support.”


Just a little update, as of today April 24th, 2008, total expenses paid were: P46,335.40 (P40,000 for the prosthesis & P6,335.40 for gas, meals and lost wages). From the funds received we still need to pay the balance for the prosthesis amounting to P80,000.00 and also pay back the funds borrowed from our NHSOC A/C last April 5th (details also posted on our Cash Balance Report, please see below). For everyone’s information, we intend to use what's left on the funds and those other pledges we are still hoping to receive for incidental expenses like gasoline, meals/snacks during Bryan’s hospital visits.

Below is a random recollection from Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria with regards to the over-all expenses so far. As I mentioned on my previous emails to all our donors, he was actually intending to personally shoulder all the miscellaneous expenses such as meal and transportation expenses for Bryan's visit to the clinic. But with all your generosity, we now have more than enough funds to cover other expenses aside from Bryan's prosthesis. Again thank you all so much.

EXPENSE DETAILS

1st Visit to the Manufacturer, appointment is at 11AM
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008: A total expenses of P2,005.80 (with Sir Sta. Maria, Bryan and Pjay as driver)

With the expected heavy traffic, Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria together with Pjay as the designated driver headed out from their home in Novaliches early 8AM to reach their destination in time.

P 800 Gasoline. Complete itinerary included: Round trip From Novaliches (Sir Sta. Maria's home) to Bryan's home where he was picked up in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan then proceeded to the clinic located at Barrio Capitolyo in Pasig passing all the way to Edsa then left on Shaw Boulevard where the clinic is located. Also included in the itinerary is their lunch trip to Market-Market in Taguig, just a few km away from the clinic.

P 315.15 Chowking Fast food : Breakfast combo + coffee with senior discount.

Note: A fast food restaurant like Chowking was preferred over others as their breakfast can be no more than 30 minutes only, including order and serving time.

From 11 AM to 1PM: After consultation, interview, etc. by the administrator Bryan was finally introduced to the German Prosthetic maker and owner of the company. His English name is Marlon and the Administrator, pinay is Tonette and everybody calls her "Mom Tonette". There were other patients ahead of them, patients with different deformities, as vividly recalled by Sir Sta. Maria. After all that, a computation and mode of payments were written down in the prescription: 40% down and the balance payable in 5 installments with post-dated checks and by 1PM they were done.

Since Market-Market in Taguig is just a few km away, they decided to proceed there for lunch.

P890.65 Lunch at Market-Market, Taguig : Lunch menu included sinigang na kanduli sa miso, kare-kare and lumpiang sariwa. Everything is inclusive with rice and iced tea (no dessert).


2nd Visit: Partial Payment and measurements
Saturday, April 5th, 2008 : Approximately about the same amount was incurred during this trip - P2,005.80. This time, Bryan's mom - Mrs. Romana Sanchez joined the group as she was excited to see how the leg will look like on him.

3rd Visit: 1st Prosthesis Fitting and Trial Session. Approximately about the same amount was incurred during this trip also – P2,005.80.

OTHER EXPENSES:

April 7th and 9th, 2008
P318.00 Lost wages of Pjay in encashing a donation deposited at RCBC: 2 half day off on April 7th and April 9th – equivalent to his whole day salary of P318.00

*As RCBC is close on a Saturday and with their bank procedures of another day for verification, Pjay had to take two half day off on a weekday. As Sir Sta. Maria mentioned to me on his previous email, "Pjay just came back from the bank and he was told to come back tomorrow for it will take one day verification before he can cash the donation. He has to take another half day off. Bayaran ko na lang half day niya. He is making so little, kaya bigyan ko na lang ng equivalent na $5 or $4 a day, may sobra na siya pambili ng Banana Q. Di na namamasahe, naglalakad ng 200 meters. Ganyan kaliit ang kita ng isang ordinary employee dito. Sa sweldo niya sa isang araw awas gastos, pasahe, pagkain – merienda ng 2 hopia mongo, ang take home ay P150 lamang kada isang araw."

As for the UCPB bank (Mr. Sta. Maria's bank account) trips making deposits, withdrawal and balance inquiry, etc – To save money Pjay only walks to the bank as he says, "mas mabilis pa po ang maglakad kesa sumakay". So no transportation expenses incurred for those bank trips to UCPB.

** Per Sir Sta. Maria, "Accordingly it may take about 4-5 visits after the first fitting until such time that he gets used to it and be more comfortable. He can always go back for future adjustments. Bryan said after he was measured he felt very much different -- very light daw ang pakiramdam niya and he thinks hindi siya mahihirapang mag-adjust. Bryan has plans to enroll in the college of law as soon as he gets his much needed leg. I'm sure he will be extremely happy now that he could get his leg sooner. We are all looking forward to seeing him walk soon. It will be the greatest gift Bryan could ever have. His dream is about to come true, and his younger brother Pjay will need not worry anymore whether his ambition to go abroad becomes a reality or not. Pjay can now concentrate on his personal needs. By next semester I encouraged him to go back to school and complete his bacherlor's degree in computer programming. It will be my reward for Pjay for the services he rendrered to me during my stay here in Novaliches. I promised to send him back to school through my own expense."

For detailed information about the cash balance and up-to-date expenses please click on the link below:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/04/nhsoc-cash-position-report-as-of-042308.html

This coming Saturday, April 26 Mr. Sta. Maria said, “Bryan, Pjay, and maybe Mrs. Romana Sanchez will be going to Pasig for Bryan’s second fitting and adjustments. The whole family of Bryan is extremely excited to see him walk again like any normal person. The metal part of the leg will be in cast with foam that will look like a real leg, not what you see in the picture. It will take some time before the casting is done only until the final fitting is over. By middle of May perhaps everything will be done…It really is an early Christmas gift for Bryan.”

To read a special message from Bryan Sanchez, please click on the link below:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/04/message-of-thanks-by-bryan-sanchez.html

To read the NHS Faculty Members Mrs. Romana Sanchez (Bryan’s mom) message of thanks, please click the link below:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/04/message-of-thanks-from-mrs-romana.html

To read Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria’s update about Bryan’s Prosthesis Measurement last April 5th, please click on the link below:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/04/update-on-bryans-prosthesis-measurement.html

And here’s a special Video slideshow prepared by Bryan’s sister Christian Joy posted in youtube entitled “A million thanks from SANCHEZ FAMILY”. Enjoy!


Again, thank you all for the generous support.

"A Message of Thanks" from Mrs. Romana Sanchez

(Mrs. Romana Sanchez is the mother of Bryan and currently a faculty member of Novaliches High School)

Isang mapagpalang araw sa lahat ng NHS Online Community Members, Family and Friends, particular sa mga nagrespond sa panawagan ni Kuya Cesar (Godfather at Superhero ng aking family – The Sanchez (Ador, Norma, Bryan, Pjay, Anjoy and Ayie):

Sa mga sumusunod na donors:
Anonymous donor from Batch 71
Cruz, Rainier (Batch 74)
Hartman, Pet Roldan (Batch 74)
Ngayan, William (Batch 74)
Sy, Emelita Mendoza (Batch 74)
Holloway, Cora Duque (Batch 75)
Cruz, Rose (Bach 79)
Promentilla, Rodney (Batch 77)
Canlapan, Jesus (Batch 81)
Bajandi, Thess (Batch 82)
De Leon, Abigail (Batch 84)
Song, Laura Aquino (Batch 84)
Dalistan, Ronaldo (Batch 85)
Espinosa, Janette Ellson (Batch 85)
Favor, Roland (Batch 86)
Go, Chona Villafuerte (Batch 86)
Ison, Emmanuel (Batch 86)
Penamante, Archiwald (Batch 86)
Villenas, Lowell (Batch 89)
Ison, Abigail Faye (Batch 2009)
Mrs. Sevilla
Villenas Family (Lemuel '87; Rhodora Galang-Villenas '86, Lourdes Cecilia Villenas-Estacion '93 & Gerry H. Estacion '93)

gayun na rin sa mga nagsipag-pledge:
- Miyembro ng Batch 73 sa pangunguna ni Ike Calicdan
- Rosalie Franco Batch 86
- Rommelito Nuque Batch 90

Bumisita kaming magasawa noong unang linggo ng Abril kay Kuya Cesar at may konting inayos sa bahay, tuloy nag update ng existing project authored by him thru NHSOC and the administrator Chona Villafuerte Go.

Hindi ko napigilan ang pagdaloy ng aking luha dahil sa tuwa. Dahil sa nagawa ninyong pagtulong sa aming pamilya. Mga luha ng pasasalamat at pagtanaw ng kabutihan ninyo. Praise God! Talagang damang-dama ko ang pagkilos ng kamay ng Diyos upang tugunan ang lahat ng mga petisyon ko sa Kanya. Pagpalain kayo ni Yahweh! Alam kong sa pamamagitan ng Hi-tech communication ay maraming nagrespond sa worldwide appeal ni Kuya Cesar para sa aking panganay na anak na si Bryan at sa kasunod na rin sa magiging kapalaran ni Pjay thru Pet (as mentioned last March 30 communication, Amen! Lord sana nga maganap kay PJay!)

Chona, I am printing all the communications kaya't maya't maya ay binabasa at ipinagpe-pray na harinawa ay mangyari ang objective at maging ganap na tagumpay. Kaalinsabay ng paghingi ng pag-unlad ng kalagayan ni Kuya Cesar (kung hindi dahil sa Kanya hindi ito naisasakatuparan)

Inuulit ko maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa NHSOC at thru Cesar Sta. Maria and Chona Villafuerte Go.


Sincerely yours,
Gng. Romana Sanchez
Ang Talisman

"Maraming Maraming Salamat Po..." By Bryan Sanchez

Magandang Gabi po, I just read your messages. It's really overwhelming on my part to know that there's really a lot of people who are willing to spare some of their good fortune to help someone like me..a total stranger to them. I never expected this kind of response. Nakakataba po ng puso na talagang handa silang tumulong kahit di nila ako kilala at di nakikita. I really owe you this tito Cesar.. without your untiring efforts, this wouldn't be possible.

Sa ngayon po, tanggapin nyo po ang buong puso kong pasasalamat. Maraming Maraming Salamat po sa lahat ng ginagawa nyo para sa akin at sa aking pamilya.
Bryan

Fund Raising Financial Reports as of 04/24/08

Prepared and Submitted By:
Ms. Chona Villafuerte-Go NHS Batch '86
NHS On-line Community Website Administrator




Cash Balance Report
Click the picture below to view a larger image


Donations Received
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Pledges for follow-up
Click the picture below to view a larger image


Detailed Summary
Click the picture below to view a larger image


Copies of Receipt(s)
Click the picture below to view a larger image


Uses of Funds
Click the picture below to view a larger image

An Update on Bryan's Prosthesis Measurement

HI CHONA AND TO ALL GENEROUS DONORS, SPONSORS AND BENEFACTORS OF BRYAN SANCHEZ:

The entire family most especially Bryan himself were so thankful and extremely happy after he was measured for his prosthesis leg. Bryan was excited to feel the comfort and the convenience once the leg is finished. Nararamdaman na daw niya ang magiging pagkakaiba sa pag-galaw at paglakad niya.

In fifteen days after our visit last April 5th, he is going to fit the leg and he will start therapy after the first trial, then on 5 or more sessions until he gets used to it. For as long as there is the least discomfort he will continue to undergo necessary adjustments. On the other hand, is my update about the cost – sad to say the discount did not happen as promised by Arnold. The administrator said the price she gave us was actually an older price which is P120,000.00. The current price due to high cost of materials is now P150,000.00 However, she agreed to lower the down payment to P40,000.00 so the remaining P6,000 will go for deposit. The remaining balance of P80,000.00 is payable after the final fitting.

Thanks everyone and have a nice day!
Sir

Cash Pledges Update In Helping Bryan Sanchez Batch '98 as of March 18, 2008

By Chona Villafuerte-Go NHS Batch '86
(NHSOC Website Administrator)

Good day everyone!

In support to Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria’s letter “An Appeal For A Noble Cause”, NHSOC sent out an urgent global request last March 1st asking everyone to please help fellow NHS grad Bryan Sanchez Batch 1998. And we have had such a wonderful response with our first wave of cash pledges. In fact, few of those from NHSOC members based abroad were already received and remitted a total of P14,950.48 since March 15th, 2008. APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!!! ^_^

Bryan Sanchez Batch ‘98 (eldest son of NHS Faculty members Mr. Dominador and Mrs. Ramona Sanchez) had lost his leg to an accident 4 years ago. Thru the initiative of Mr. Sta. Maria (former NHS Assistant Principal) who has personally taken on the crusade of helping Bryan and his family bear the expenses of buying Bryan’s prosthesis leg, NHSOC members have started sending in their pledges. We still have a long way to go before reaching our target of P120,000.00 and so YOUR continued support is important and very much appreciated, thank you!

A quick note of appreciation for a total of P14,950.48 in cash donations already remitted to UCPB as of 03/15/08 by the following donors:

* P5543.48 : Lowell Villenas Batch '89
* And a total of $230 = P9407.00 from the following:
Bill Ngayan Batch '74 (undisclosed amount)
Rose Cruz Batch '79 (undisclosed amount)
Chona Go Batch '86 (undisclosed amount)
Roland Favor Batch '86 ($50)
Archie Penamante Batch '86 ($30)

...and of course for all the help we keep getting – “Every little bit makes a difference”. To mention, I was deeply moved beyond words for Ms. Abigail Faye S. Ison currently a 3rd year student in NHS for her P50 cash pledge. It is indeed great to have so many individuals interested in helping Bryan, not just from alumni members but even moreso from a student like Abigail who would also like to share some of her savings from her school allowance. Thanks again Abigail!!

FYI: As of today March 18, 2008 we have already received about P25,000 in cash pledges. This amount included those that have been remitted and also included are the following pledges:
Ike Calicdan Batch ‘73
Rainier Cruz Batch '74
Cora Duque Holloway Batch '75
Jesus Canlapan Batch ‘81
Thess Bajandi Batch '82 (P500)
Ronaldo Dalistan Batch ‘85 (P500)
Janette Ellson-Espinosa Batch ‘85 (P500)
Emmanuel Ison Batch ’86 (P300)
Rosalia Sisic Batch '86
Abigail Faye S. Ison Batch 2009 (P50)

....again many, many thanks to everyone who has already helped out and will also be helping us out on the coming days!!

For everyone's information: Bryan needs to be measured for his prosthesis leg as soon as possible, the prosthesis manufacturer is requiring an initial down payment of 40% (Php56,000.00) by July 24th, 2008 -- at least five months before Christmas eve which is when Mr. Sta. Maria is hoping we can help him make this as Bryan's special gift for Christmas. The remaining balance can then be paid also thru monthly installment.

At present it looks as though we may need to raise more from sources other than our current alumni pledges. Together with Mr. Sta. Maria we are following several lines at the moment and are hopeful that with continuing support from everyone WE can make it. But if anyone has any suggestions to help raise more funds for Bryan’s prosthesis leg, we will be very pleased to hear them!!

Together with Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria and the whole Sanchez Family, NHSOC would like to say "THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!! GOD BLESS!!"

Click here to visit NHSOC's special blog for Bryan Sanchez
or you may copy the following link to your internet browser: http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/

Cash Pledges Update In Helping Bryan Sanchez Batch '98 as of March 18, 2008
or you may copy the following link to your internet browser:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/03/cash-pledges-update-for-bryan-sanchez.html

About Bryan Sanchez Batch '98
or you may copy the following link to your internet browser:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/03/about-bryan-sanchez.html

Acknowledgement By Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria
or you may copy the following link to your internet browser:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/03/acknowledgement.html

NHSOC'S URGENT APPEAL IN HELPING BRYAN SANCHEZ BATCH '98 (AN AMPUTEE)!!
or you may copy the following link to your internet browser:
http://bryansanchez.blogspot.com/2008/03/nhsocs-urgent-appeal-for-help.html

About Bryan Sanchez Batch '98

By Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria

It might be of interest for everyone to know how I came to meet Bryan after being away from the Philippines for 20 years. Meeting him and his family happened through pure coincidence yet most likely in GOD's way so to speak.

Here's the story. Bryan's mother Ramona lived with us for quite a number of years when she was still single. She was applying for a teaching position at Novaliches High School. With no relative to back her up we introduced her to our principal as a distant relative. She got hired and lived with us coming from Isabela with no one to live with. A few years later she met Mr. Dominador Sanchez, got married and now with four children 2 boys and 2 girls with Bryan being the eldest.

We migrated to the U.S. in 1988, twenty years later I came home for good. His parents and I met at NHS in one of my previous visits. Upon learning that she has four kids I went to visit them in San Jose Del Monte. That was when I met Bryan in 2004. I could not hold my tears when I saw his condition. Walking with one leg by jumping -- in the dialect, 'KANDIRIT "Halos hindi ko siya matingnan sa awa. Wala pa akong magawa kasi pabalik pa ako sa Amerika noon. Binigyan ko siya at ang kanyang kapatid na lalaki na mas bata sa kanya ng maliit na pasalubong and that’s it.”

In August of last year I came home again, this time for good. My son bought me a car but no driver to drive me around. One day I invited his Tatay Ador to come to the house to drive me to visit fellow NHS Faculty - Mrs. Negre, Mrs. Logan and Mrs Barawed whom I heard were all sick. Instead of Tatay Ador his Nanay brought along a tall, husky young man who happened to be Bryan's younger brother PJAY. “Can he drive?”, I asked his Nanay. “Yes Kuya!”, his Nanay said. And so we went. On our way I came to know more about Pjay and Bryan and the next thing we know is that Pjay is now my regular driver every time I need to go elsewhere. We never talk of salary. Every time I asked Pjay he would say, “Wala po Tito, pagtanaw lang po ng utang na loob sa ginawa niyo kay Nanay noon”. "Yon na ang simula na makilala ko ng husto si Pjay. Ambisyon niya makapag-abroad para maibili si Bryan ng artificial leg na sa pagtatanong niya ay aabot sa P150,000 kung galing sa Japan. Hindi daw nila kayang mabili yon dito kung hindi sa kanyang pangingibang bansa. Maglimang buwan ng naglilingkod sa akin si Pjay bilang driver at caregiver. Nag-aasikaso ng pag-inom ko ng gamot, pagluluto at lahat na ng gawaing bahay. Pinakilala ko siyang pamangkin sa ibang tao. Kilala na siya halos lahat ng kamag-anak ko."

One day I was watching Korina Sanchez at Rated K and got attracted to the episode, "Super Pinoy" featuring disabled individuals excelling in their own respected field of interest. The one that attracted me most is the story of a one-legged man named Arnold Balais who inspite of having only one leg he became a champion in swimming not only here but all over Asia. Having known Ricky Ligon also an alumnus of NHS now working at ABS-CBN, I asked for a copy of the guy’s CD so I could have Bryan watch it. With no second thoughts Ricky delivered the CD plus the contact number of Arnold who at that time was in Cebu working in a compny that manufactures prosthesis legs. Through text, Arnold and I became regular textmates until he recommended us to the German Manufacturer of artificial legs based in Barrio Capitolyo in Pasig. And so wasting no time Bryan, Pjay and I drove to Pasig last February 23rd for assessment and evaluation of Bryan’s condition. The next thing we know is the amount in full or the amount by installment. We were given a quotation but could not get the measurement unless we put a 40% down of the full amount of P120,000. So this is how the campaign “An Appeal For A Noble Cause” came about. With nothing on hand but the opening quotation, “A journey to a thousand miles begins win one step”, pledges of support are now pouring in. So I end this story with another quote, “In gratitude for your own good fortune you must in return render some sacrifice of your life for other life.”

For and on behalf of the Sanchez family allow me to thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart and let you know how much we appreciate you generous concern towards other people like Bryan and Pjay so deserving to be called superheroes in their own way expressing their unselfish love to one another. Allow me to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez for having brought to this world 2 exceptional sons every parent can be proud of.

To Chona Villafuerte-Go, I thank you on behalf of the Sanchez family for giving them a space in our website for everyone to read another episode in the reality of life. May this story serves as an inspiration to others. I feel very honored to be part of their struggle to overcome difficulties brought about by some unavoidable circumstance. Life is full of challenges. It is for us to fight and be strong in facing the challenges that come along the way.

"GOD IS ALWAYS THERE TO SHOW THE WAY. LET US TRAVEL THE ROAD GOD WANTS US TO TAKE."

Again thank you and GOD BLESS!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria

" A journey to a thousand miles begins with a one step."

I would like to open my message of acknowledgement with the above quotation by Confucious. Early today I received a long distance call from Cora Duque of Batch '75 who lives in Wisconsin pledging her support for my project "AN APPEAL FOR A NOBLE CAUSE", spearheaded by yours truly endorsed to NHS On-line Comunity thru Ms. Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch '86 (NHSOC Website Administrator). For and in behalf of Bryan I would like to acknowledge Cora Duque's initial pledge of undisclosed amount with so much thanks and appreciation for doing the first step in our journey to a thousand miles. Thank you so much Ms. Duque.

Incidentally Cora sponsored Bryan's four year college education through the ROTARY CLUB of Caloocan. "Bryan Sanchez was one of my scholars. He went to PSBA thru a Rotary Scholarship project of RI District 3800 that I was responsible for. I didn't now about his situation till now and I am so glad that Mr. Sta Maria is doing the fund raising for him," Cora said. At the time when Cora called through my Vonage International connection Bryan was in the house for a surprise visit so they were able to talk lengthily both to their unexplained coincidence and disbelief.

To Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch '86 (NHSOC Website Administrator), "thank you for your quick reply and pledge of support. We appreciate your kindness. Thank you in God's name for Bryan Sanchez. The parents of Bryan were here early today extending gratitude for what we are doing to help Bryan. Mrs. Sanchez knows you pretty well and she is sending her best wishes to you. You have a wonderful day! God Bless!"

To the following for their cash pledges: Ike Calicdan Batch ‘73 (undisclosed amount), Rainier Cruz Batch '74 (undisclosed amount), William "Bill" Ngayan Batch '74 (undisclosed amount), Cora Duque Holloway Batch '75 (undisclosed amount), Rose Cruz Batch ’79 (undisclosed amount), Jesus Canlapan Batch ‘81 (undisclosed amount), Thess Bajandi Batch '82 (P500), Ronaldo Dalistan Batch ‘85 (P500), Janette Ellson-Espinosa Batch ‘85 (P500),Rolando Favor Batch ’86 ($50), Emmanuel Ison Batch ’86 (P300), Archie Penamante Batch ’86 ($30), Rosalia Sisic Batch '86 (undisclosed amount), Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch ‘86 (undisclosed amount), Lowell Villenas Batch '89 (P5543.48), Abigail Faye S. Ison Batch 2009 (P50) Thank you for all your cash pledges. I cannot thank you enough for all your unselfish support to my campaign for "An Appeal For A Noble Cause" to help Bryan Sanchez who is so dearly loved by his parents and siblings most specially his brother, Jay Phillip who is willing to sacrifice his own comfort for Bryan's sake including his personal need and convenience. Pjay as he is fondly called works for me as driver, bodyguard and above all my caregiver from the time I met him in October of 2007. Right now Pjay is working at NSO on a casual basis good for 6 months, as he has no civil service eligibility to stay in the job permanently. He still lives with me at least keeping me company at night. He checks on me regularly reminding me to eat on time, take my medicine and continuosly showing his concern while he is away. He is an exceptional young man who cares even for astray animals. He would go out of his way to feed cats and dogs with no permanent homes. He is evidently an animal lover. He has so much respect for older people. He addresses anyone older than him as Kuya, Ate, Tito, Tita or Auntie. He responds with "po" and "opo" all the time. He is an admirable son, cordial and respectful.

Both Pjay and Bryan are my constant companions being alone, away from my family who are in the US. I am here for my continuous therapy and rehabilitation. I now walk without a cane and can move my left arm with less difficulty. With Pjay around I can go to church, to the mall and watch movies with other seniors. In God's time I hope to be able to recover completely.

To one and all, again thank you and God bless!

Let me end this message by another quotation by Albert Shweitzer, "In gratitude for your own good fortune you must render in return some sacrifice of your life for other life."

NHSOC'S URGENT APPEAL IN HELPING BRYAN SANCHEZ BATCH '98 (AN AMPUTEE)!!

By Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch '86
(NHS On-line Community Website Administrator)

Mr. Bryan Sanchez NHS Batch 1998(son of NHS faculty members Mr. Dominador and Mrs. Ramona Sanchez) is recently facing some hardships due to some unfortunate events. Bryan had lost his leg to an accident 4 years ago and is in dire need of a prosthesis leg.

Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria former NHS Assistant Principal is personally helping the family raise the amount of PHP120,000 for Bryan's prosthesis leg and is appealing to all of us for help.

This morning I sent out few personal emails to some of our generous alumni and received some pledges which I will be acknowledging their names early next week. Thanks again guys!!!

We hope everyone can share even a small amount. The spirit of giving will count the most.

Below is a special message from Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria:

“Dear Chona

I need a wide publicity for the letter of appeal attached herewith. Please forward this solicitation letter to all members and other friends worldwide who support less fortunate alumni and comrade.

Bryan M. Sanchez is an amputee. He lost his left leg in a very tragic and unimaginable accident some four years ago. He is 26 years old, single and now works as a jail guard at Caloocan City Jail. He is in dire need of a prosthesis leg that will help him be able to walk and do some physical activities such as walking, running and playing basketball.

To help defray the cost of this artificial leg I am taking the initiative to help him solicit the amount of PHP120,000 from our generous alumni, friends and relatives. Any amount you can spare will be of great help for this noble endeavor of helping Bryan who is also a graduate of Novaliches High School.

Bryan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dominador Sanchez, both teachers of Novaliches High School. Mr. Sanchez is a Practical Arts teacher while Mrs. Ramona Sanchez teaches Pilipino but is now the school paper adviser, Pilipino edition. Sad to say they are not in a position to pay the full amount out of their meager salary with three other children to support.

I personally know Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez for over 30 years even before they got married. Out of love and concern for the Sanchez family I am making this appeal to help Bryan obtain this much needed prosthesis leg through your genuine kindness and generosity.

For your cash donation, please contact me via local telephone number Home: 417-5342 Cellphone: 0929-362-5169. For international long distance call through Vonage free calls, just dial 1-818-660-2541 at no charge to the caller. You can call me anytime.

Thank you in God’s name for Bryan Sanchez.

Very truly yours,
Mr. Cesar E. Santa Maria”