by Mikael Carlos Almazar Mendoza Φ2024
In the heart of Malabag, Cavite, the Cortez family navigates the unpredictabilities of life with unwavering faith and resilience which would challenge anyone’s resolve. Their story began when Mathieu, the eldest son, was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) during a routine check-up for his municipal varsity basketball team back in sixth grade. What started as a simple health assessment quickly turned into a life-altering revelation for his entire family — an enlarged heart that required surgery. Similar to a high-stakes game, every move suddenly counts as they navigate this setback. For Marissa, the moment she learned about his son’s condition was a mix of sorrow and disbelief. “Hindi ako makapaniwala,” she recalled, reflecting on the shock that came with the diagnosis. He had always been active, training regularly for basketball, and they always attributed his fatigue to the rigorous practices that came with the sport. Unlike many who live with congenital heart defects from birth, Mathieu was asymptomatic for most of his life, which added an unexpected layer of complexity to their situation. Marissa mentioned that she also felt a profound sadness knowing that her son would need surgery, but she took solace in the fact that interventions and procedures are available to treat Mathieu’s condition.
The initial diagnosis introduced a wave of uncertainty into their lives. “Hindi naman kami ganoon kayaman na pamilya,” Marissa explained. Like most families in the Philippines, the idea of scouring nearly half a million pesos from family, friends, and generous donors for surgery was daunting; this situation dealt significant stress to their family, especially given their financial constraints. The Cortez family faced significant adjustments that reshaped the way they lived their daily lives. With the medical advice to refrain from playing basketball, Mathieu shared his difficulty with adapting to a more sedentary lifestyle, “Di na ako pinayagan ng magulang ko magbasketball, kaya nag gain din ako ng weight.”. Dietary changes were also recommended by the doctor, to which their family was able to adjust to by cooking less fried meals at home. These changes likewise extended to their caregiving routine and schedules. Marissa mentioned, “Naiiwan sa pinsan ng asawa ko yung bunso namin nung pumupunta kami sa hospital”. While waiting for more income and the next steps before Mathieu’s surgery, Marissa then secured a loan to save up for the half million pesos they needed. This decision, along with the other health adjustments the family navigated, underscores their commitment to ensuring Mathieu received the care that he needed. In times of sacrifice, crisis, and uncertainty, one silver lining is that family becomes the bedrock upon which one can lean on. Mathieu and his mom’s monthly visits to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) turned into mother-son bonding experiences rather than burdens. Routine activities like family dinners remained enjoyable, and they continued to support each other just as they always have. “Hindi naman kami nagbago,” Marissa proudly shared. Despite the looming financial settlements of the surgery and health concerns of Mathieu, the Cortez family found ways to maintain normalcy within their family life.
As fate would have it, an unexpected opportunity arose when they learned about Operation Braveheart — a program dedicated to helping individuals with congenital heart defects. “Nagpapacheckup lang kami ng 2D-Echo at X-ray. May tumawag lang bigla sa PGH, siguro nakikita kami,” Marissa recalls. After months of waiting and saving, they were relieved to discover that Operation Braveheart could provide the assistance they had constantly prayed for. Throughout the process, the medical team’s support eased their worries. “Friendly sila at conversational,” Marissa noted. Mathieu, accompanied by his father, also attended several installments of Camp Braveheart where families who were part of the program would gather to eat, interact, and listen to each other’s stories. The unexpected camaraderie he found among peers and other families facing familiar challenges was uplifting for both him and his dad, “Maraming tao, nag-enjoy din [ako] sa mga activities”, Mathieu shared. The care they experienced from both the medical staff and the families in Camp Braveheart transformed what could have been an isolating experience into one filled with hope through shared experiences.
Post-surgery, Mathieu experienced significant changes — not just physically but emotionally as well. The once-active teenager who had been sidelined from basketball due to ASD found himself regaining his confidence and self-esteem about his body. Although he needed to adjust to new medications, diet restrictions, and a more cautious lifestyle, he embraced this new chapter with optimism. Mathieu’s story highlights the immeasurable impact of familial and community support in overcoming life’s unexpected hurdles, and in continuing to live a life of normalcy. Filled with gratitude, both Marissa and Mathieu expressed their deep appreciation for those who contributed to Operation Braveheart that provide vital assistance to families like theirs. “Unang una, nagpapasalamat kami nang sobra sobra dahil isa kami sa mga napili para sa program”, Marissa shared. “‘Wag mawalan ng pag-asa,” Marissa advises other families facing similar struggles, especially to those within communities where access to healthcare remains a pressing issue. She also emphasized the competence and dedication of the medical team that helped their family, “Yung skills nila ay ginamit nila para tumulong sa mga may condition”. The kindness and support they received were invaluable, as the staff understood the challenges families like theirs face. “Napakabait at supportive dahil alam nila pinagdadaanan ng mga family,” Marissa added. Mathieu also expressed his gratitude: “Thank you po sa mga doctor nurses na nakasama ko, dahil sa skills nila, nandito ako ngayon at successful yung operation. Sana marami din po pa silang matulungan, lalo din po sa mga baby na may butas sa puso.”
In sharing their experience, the Cortez family not only spotlights their journey but also reminds others that amidst life’s uncertainties, the importance of family becomes even more pronounced. For Mathieu, the long process through his health challenges was made bearable by the unconditional presence of his parents, and their shared commitment to maintaining a sense of normalcy despite the obstacles they faced. Their story is a powerful testament to resilience — a poignant reminder that even when confronted with significant challenges, families can draw strength from one another and their faith, ultimately aiding their daily lives toward a brighter future. Much like a player fighting through defense on the court, the Cortez family pushed forward against every obstacle, knowing that their relentless support was the key to overcoming one of the toughest games they had ever faced and securing a win for Mathieu’s future.
