by Earl Jerald Fadriquela Cansino Φ2024
For many Filipinos, the prospect of undergoing a life-changing surgery can feel like an impossible dream. Financial constraints severely limit healthcare access for many Filipinos, especially those living in the provinces. As such, the lines of “magkano po ang gagastusin” and “wala po kaming pera pampagamot” are frequently repeated to healthcare professionals every day, like a broken record playing on repeat. However, the patients also hear remarks hitting the same note, such as “wala pa pong available na bed sa charity ward” or “expired na po yung PCSO [financial assistance] ninyo.” Navigating the Philippine healthcare system often requires an extraordinary amount of patience, persistence, and faith. Patients find themselves waiting in long lines, enduring endless paperwork, and facing bureaucratic hurdles that may feel unconquerable. Each setback is a test of their resilience, yet many continue to show up, driven by the hope of receiving the care they desperately need. Some may have given up, but countless others still hold on to their faith, like Chel, believing that one day, their seemingly impossible dreams can finally be fulfilled.
Rachelle Rosales-Rivera (Chel), 34, is a dedicated educator from Tanza, Cavite. Even while managing a congenital disease, Chel has consistently dedicated herself to providing her students with quality education. Previously a Filipino teacher for Grades 11 and 12, she had to pause her work in the formal school setting due to her condition. Currently, she opens her home as a learning space, tutoring elementary students in their assignments and advanced lessons.
For more than three decades, Chel has lived with a congenital heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), where a blood vessel that should close after birth stays open, resulting in excess blood flow to the lungs and causing breathing and heart issues. This congenital diagnosis was only confirmed a year after her birth due to the inaccessibility of maternal services in the provinces. Throughout her early years, Chel frequently suffered from recurring fevers, which her family initially treated with traditional remedies due to financial limitations. Only after visiting the Philippine Heart Center years after, Chel was finally prescribed medication with no surgical recourse not because of the complexity of her condition but because the waiting line for surgery is long and no beds were available for her. Her mother sought assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and eventually raised the needed funds for surgery, but unfortunately, the PCSO aid expired before they could claim it .
Growing up with PDA made life anything but ordinary for her. Her heart condition repeatedly interrupted her education, forcing her to pause in Grade 1 and again in Grade 4. Even in high school, teachers often overlooked her limitations, and exhaustion frequently left her fatigued and fainting. Determined to pursue her passion in Education, Chel secured permission to enroll despite an enlarged heart, managing symptoms with medications and limited mobility. However, by her second year, she often struggled with breathlessness and fatigue, becoming a regular at the clinic. Although she paused her studies to recover, she always found her way back, eventually graduating and even teaching for three years. Despite her passion and dedication for teaching, her heart can only take so much work. The daily climbing of four to five flights of stairs across buildings carrying books, laptop, and projector all at the same time apart from work-induced stress had her health deteriorate further. Although Chel had no special accommodations, she continued to push herself until surgery in April 2023 finally offered her a chance to live without constant limits.
Chel learned about Operation Braveheart during a frustrating period of waiting, saving, and hoping for opportunities apart from the progressively debilitating symptoms of her PDA. In August 2022, she experienced a severe health episode that left her breathless even during simple tasks like bathing. For a week, she struggled while her husband, a mechanic, earned just enough to cover rent, bills, and food. Eventually, feeling a renewed sense of urgency, she searched for Facebook groups focused on congenital heart defects. While she found many supportive communities, most only helped children, which was disheartening; she questioned why adults like herself could not receive similar assistance when everyone, regardless of age deserves another chance to live a normal life.
Despite this setback, she persisted and reached out across Facebook groups, leading to a post by Dr. Jonas Del Rosario Φ1986 in April 2023 about catheter-based PDA closure for older patients. When she messaged him, it felt like winning the lottery when he replied days later, asking for her check-up availability. Dr. Jonas, together with Rotary International, particularly the District 7390 Passport Club and the Rotary Club of Makati Southeast, along with generous contributions from members of the University of the Philippines Medical Society in America (UPMASA) were able to pool funds and volunteer their time and expertise to support Chel’s procedure. Although worried about the transportation costs, she and her husband found ways to get the latest diagnostic prerequisites and travel to Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) for screening. Within a week, she was scheduled for a 45-minute PDA closure via cardiac catheterization. After 32 years of hardship, she finally felt hope and possibility on the horizon.
Dr. Jonas regularly checked in on Chel, ensuring she felt cared for, even during moments of high blood pressure, which she later discovered was due to her PDA. The students from UPCM and Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity were also incredibly kind, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Chel valued their approachability, as they promptly replied to her messages on Viber and Messenger, helping to ease her anxiety during the process.
Since receiving treatment, Chel has experienced a remarkable transformation in her life. No longer does she feel the intense pounding in her chest; her heart now beats steadily, a stark contrast to the days when her ID lace would bounce from the force of her heartbeat. The joy she feels is palpable—she can now walk long distances and even jog to and from her destination, something she struggled with before. Tasks like cleaning the house that once left her breathless are now manageable, and the possibility of starting a family, once a source of concern, is now within reach. Her husband previously expressed that having children might not be feasible due to her condition, but now, with her newfound health, they are excited about the prospects ahead. Her parents and siblings, who once felt trapped at home due to her debilitating symptoms, can now enjoy outings and family gatherings without fear of her collapsing or becoming too fatigued. The transformation has brought them closer together, allowing them to live a more active and joyful life.
With her improved health, Chel is eager to pursue opportunities she once thought impossible, such as applying for a position in a public school. She feels empowered to connect with others who have heart conditions, sharing posts to raise awareness and support for their journeys. Inspired by her experience, she aspires to volunteer with Operation Braveheart, hoping to help more individuals learn about the assistance available to them.
Chel wishes to express her deep gratitude to the donors and medical professionals who enabled her treatment, acknowledging that their support has transformed her life after a long healing journey. She believes that initiatives such as Operation Braveheart are much more needed in the country, particularly in remote regions where poverty continues to be pervasive. With the government unable to assist everyone, the participation of private sectors, NGOs, and similar initiatives is essential for ensuring that more individuals receive the necessary medical care they urgently require.
Chel encourages her fellow heart warriors not to fear surgery, recognizing that fear is natural. She emphasizes that surgery can lead to life-changing improvements and enable individuals to live normal lives. She urges families to overcome concerns about risks and costs. While some surgeries and procedures may not succeed, each case is different. She reassures families to hold onto hope and faith to both Divine Providence and the advancement of medical sciences.
The years spent in waiting and uncertainty have led to newfound hope, allowing her to embrace her role as an educator without the burdens of her heart condition. With a heart full of gratitude for the support she has received, Chel is committed to giving back and advocating for others facing similar challenges. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and faith, ultimately culminating in the belief that even the most impossible dream can become a reality.
