In the Philippines, Tzu Chi volunteers and TIMA doctors arrived in Quezon City to provide dental treatment for the poor residents. Among the volunteers was Mae Burce, whose son, with Tzu Chi's help received surgery for his cleft palate.
在菲律賓,慈濟志工和人醫會醫師來到計順市進行牙科往診,其中一位志工美布西,她的兒子因為慈濟的幫助、接受了唇顎裂的手術。
< Rare opportunity for poor residents >
In the Bray Masambong area of Quezon City in the Philippines, it is no easy task for residents to see a dentist, as poverty and inconvenience often stand in the way. Grateful for this rare chance, the villagers open their mouths wide to let the TIMA doctors do a thorough check up.
< Brave mother thanks Tzu Chi >
To ensure nobody misses out on the opportunity, Tzu Chi volunteers visit each household to promote the free clinic. Maria Bataller's daughter Charmela suffers from cerebral palsy and often has problems finding a dentist who will see her, therefore it has been a long time since she last had her teeth checked. Tzu Chi volunteers wheeled her to the dentist, who teaches her mother the correct way to brush Charmela's teeth. Maria says she's very moved.
Charmela's mother, Maria Victoria Bataller:
"I thank God for bringing you guys here, and for taking Charmela to see a dentist."
< Reconstituting to society >
Taking care of Charmela's life, Maria is undeterred by the hardship. She says the child is a gift from God. Mae Burce is another brave mother. Her son was a cleft palate sufferer, who with Tzu Chi's help, received surgery. This time, Mae Burce has joined the volunteers' ranks to help more needy people.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Mae Burce:
"Tzu Chi volunteers changed our lives. Because of their help, we were granted hope. I thought my son was going to have cleft palate all his life, but the volunteers gave us hope amidst all the poverty."
< From motherly love to Great Love >
Now Mae Burce takes part in any Tzu Chi event during her spare time. Turning her motherly love for her son into great love for society, the mother has shared her warmth and care with more people.