At the National Children’s Hospital (NCH), however, this is not the case. In her continuing effort to touch more children’s lives, journalist Cathy Babao-Guballa recently led the inauguration of NCH’s refurbished Neurosurgery Ward, now called Migi’s Ward. Now with colorful brightly painted walls and a mural of Migi with his favorite dinosaur, Migi’s Ward offers a cheerful healing place for young patients with neurological diseases.
Through the Migi’s Corner Foundation, Cathy has committed herself to setting up bright playrooms in various hospitals all over the country. Aimed at making sick children comfortable during their hospital stay, the Foundation’s mission was inspired by the death of Cathy’s son, Francisco Miguel "Miggi’’ Babao Guballa, who died six years ago of complications from a congenital disease called Tetralogy of Fallot. Cathy says the foundation was set up in Migi’s memory as a means to improve the plight of indigent children confined in Government hospitals.
Loreta Viduya, Chief Nurse of the NCH Neurosurgery Ward, said the ward houses 16 beds, but can accommodate more patients if needed. One of these patients is threemonth old Marilyn Cabalquinto, diagnosed with Frontnasal Ethomoidal Meningo-encephalocoele, a protruding membrane on the upper bridge of the nose. Her mother Noralyn says Marilyn somehow forgets her painful ordeal when she sees the colorful mural along one side of the ward. Noralyn hopes the pleasant environment will help in the speedy recovery of her baby.
NCH pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benedicto Baronia said that a cheerful environment forms a significant part of the entire healing process. "Colors brighten the spirits, and they’re very helpful in early recovery,’’ he said. Cathy shares the same view: "Although a positive healing environment is just physical, it can translate to the care given to the children by the doctors and the nurses.’’
Migi’s presence is not entirely new to NCH patients as the hospital houses a Migi’s Corner that was opened last March 2002. Cathy has also kept Migi’s memory alive through five other corners located at the Philippine Heart Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Davao Medical Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and the Women and Children Protection Center in Cebu. Her projects also include a Migi’s Room at the Cupertino Center for Special Children and a Migi’s Garden at the Philippine General Hospital and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.
With the help of Canada-based insurance company Manulife Philippines, Cathy’s goal to make sick children smile lives on. "We’re proud of Cathy because she has helped many children in their healing process. Her projects are becoming bigger and better, enabling her to touch more children’s lives. Manulife is proud to be part of this cause,’’ said Pierre Bellehumeur, Manulife Senior Vice President for Business Development.
Hewing to the objectives of Manulife’s Corporate Giving Program, the insurance firm has been Cathy’s partner for many of her projects. Mr. Bellehumeur encourages Cathy to keep doing this great work. "Our hope is that someday, some of these children will come out shining.’’
Inspired by the success of Migi’s Ward in NCH, Cathy has a bigger project lined up this year – the renovation of a pediatric ward in PGH with 47 beds. With this, Cathy’s quest to provide a haven for sick children continues. "I always feel that I’m being led to where I’m supposed to help. I do not actively seek it, I just have to be sensitive to where there is a need,’’ Cathy said.
