By Arhiel Philippe Manuel Tuazon Malixi Φ2024
Children are blessings to the world, especially to their parents. They bring abundant joy, laughter, and purpose to those around them, filling homes with love and warmth. Their curiosity and innocence remind us to see beauty in simple things and approach life with wonder. Yet, sometimes, life presents unexpected challenges that deepen a parent’s love in ways they never imagined. When a parent learns their child has a congenital disorder, a mix of emotions floods in — fear, worry, and a sense of helplessness they never knew before. Such is the case of parents of Operation Braveheart patients when they find out that their child has a congenital heart defect. In these moments, the parents find themselves drawing strength from their unwavering love for their child, hoping for a miracle that will close the hole in their child’s heart.
On September 15, 2018, Prince Nathan Cruz was born in Lubao, Pampanga. His parents, Wilfred and Weniezyl Cruz, were delighted since they’ve been praying to have a baby ever since 2012. But a day after, September 16, 2018, they were hit by the news that their son had patent ductus arteriosus – a hole in his heart. For 3 months, they were advised to give medications to Prince. It helped to some degree, however, they were advised that Prince would still need to undergo surgery. They were told to provide around Php 500,000 for the operation. They didn’t know where to get such a large amount of money. They prayed hard and asked God to help them with their situation. Around March, they were told by the doctor that they needed to ready the money for Prince’s operation so they looked for foundations on social media that could help them out. Busilak PH, a support group for families whose kids have congenital heart defects, was one foundation that they came across. Through them, Sir Wilfred and Ma’am Weniezyl were referred to Dr. Jonas Del Rosario and Operation Braveheart.
On February 10, 2018, Doc Jonas asked for the findings on Prince. Then just 2 days later, on a Monday, they were told to bring him to the Philippine General Hospital for his operation on Thursday. When they arrived at PGH, another problem arose. There was no PhilHealth ward available and they couldn’t afford a private room for Prince. They thought of going home but to their surprise, they were given a private room to use through the kindness of Doc Jonas. By Wednesday, Prince was admitted. By Thursday morning, Prince was already undergoing operation for his PDA; and in the afternoon of the same day, he was already together with his family. They couldn’t believe what was happening. Was it really possible for all the heaviness and problems they were carrying for months to just suddenly be resolved in a span of a week? And they were thrilled to know that it indeed was. By Friday of the same week, they were already returning home to Pampanga with their baby. It wasn’t only Prince’s heart that was saved that day, but also the hearts of his loving parents who did everything they could for their son.
Fast forward to the present year of 2024, Prince is now a healthy and lively 6-year-old. Following his operation, the recovery process was smooth, with no complications, allowing him to grow stronger each day. Today, he radiates energy and joy, a true testament to the success of Operation Braveheart and his family’s unconditional love and care. He is currently a Grade 1 student and has received awards such as “Super Reader” and “Most Outstanding Student” of his class. He enjoys playing with fidget toys and basketball, reading story books, and watching his favorite superhero, Flash. He has grown so much from being a baby who had a hard time even breastfeeding due to his heart defect to a very energetic and high-spirited child. Now, every laugh, every sprint, and every story he dives into is a celebration of his health and a reminder of just how far he’s come. And he’s grateful to the people who have helped him along this journey, especially to Doc Jonas whom he wishes to become like when he grows older. In Prince’s words, when he grows up, “Gusto ko po maging doktor katulad ni Doc Jonas para makatulong rin po ako sa mga may sakit.”
Operation Braveheart has dramatically transformed the life of this young boy and his family. What may seem like a simple procedure that only took hours was able to transform the life of Prince for years to come, giving him and his family the hope and strength to envision a brighter future together, and for that they are truly grateful. Prince’s journey has not only been a testament to his strength but also to the incredible impact that compassionate care and medical support can have on a family’s future. His family now embraces each day with newfound optimism, cherishing every moment, big or small, with the knowledge that they have been given a precious gift: the opportunity to watch Prince grow and thrive, facing life’s adventures with a healthy heart and a joyful spirit. They are deeply appreciative of Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, Dr. Jess Socrates, the donors and sponsors, and to every single person who has made it possible for Prince to undergo this life-changing operation. They pray that Operation Braveheart will continue to touch and transform the lives of more families, just as it did with theirs.
The hole in Prince’s heart wasn’t just simply closed with a PDA closure device but also with the dedication and compassion of countless individuals — Doc Jonas, Doc Jess, generous donors, and everyone involved in his journey. Each played a vital role, their joint efforts stitching together a new chapter of hope and health for Prince and his family.
