by Bud Omar, PHI '08B

Last February 28, 2009, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Council on Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology (PSPC) and Children’s Heart Foundation, held the 3rd Camp Braveheart, with the theme “Little Heroes today... BIG Heroes tomorrow!”. Originally conceived and co-founded by Brod Jonas Del Rosario Φ86 in 2007, more than than 200 kids (5 – 15 years old) with heart disease have already been a part of the program. In engaging CHD patients in a day of fun-filled activities, it is hoped that the Camp “provides a support group for the families with children afflicted with CHD” while “increasing public awareness on CHD toward early recognition, and to a limited extent, prevention.” It was previously held at the La Mesa EcoPark in 2007 and at Woodrose High School in 2008. This year marked the third installment of Camp Braveheart which proved to be its most exciting outing to date, as the program graced the carnival-like grounds of Enchanted Kingdom.

The fraternity, among the major sponsors of the event, sent 50 indigent kids to the camp. Moreso, ten resident brods led by SE Bjay Pasco Φ05 actively participated in the event as “kuyas”, entertaining the kids with magic and jokes, assisting them with crafts, and acting as their buddies in the highlight of the camp – “a modified Amazing Race” in which kids were given tasks to accomplish at stations placed at different rides around the park. As evening came, the children were treated to a ventriloquist show and a song and dance number by the Enchanted Kingdom mascots. To end the program, both children and volunteers reflected on a day well spent, as fireworks filled the night sky.

Congratulations are in order for Brod Jonas del Rosario, and thanks are due to the many other brods whose generous donations helped make this year’s Camp a success.

For more information, check out:

www.philheart.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=208