Giving Hope for a Better Life: Ara’s Journey of Courage and Compassion

In the quiet island town of Anda, Pangasinan, lives “Ara,” a courageous 10-year-old whose strength and resilience inspire everyone who meets her. Born with a congenital anal malformation, she has faced medical challenges far beyond her years. Ara’s family lives in a humble nipa hut, with her father working as a fisherman and her mother a housewife, raising several younger siblings. The family struggles daily to make ends meet, and Ara’s condition has prevented her from attending school, contributing to low self-esteem and feelings of isolation.

The Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands (RCSMH) first met Ara last Rotary year during a service project in her hometown, organized with the help of resident club members. From that first encounter, it was clear that Ara’s story would ignite a spirit of compassion and action among Highlanders.

Her journey is the heart of the club’s continuing project, “Giving Hope for a Better Life,” which earned RCSMH the district’s Best Club Project on Disease Prevention and Treatment in Rotary Year 2024–2025 and is considered as the club’s Most Significant Project. Every visit, every donation, and every act of care reflect Highlanders’ commitment to transform lives through empathy and action.

Since last Rotary year, Highlanders have gone above and beyond to ensure that Ara’s basic needs were met, carefully preparing her for the complex surgeries ahead. Recognizing that she lacked the necessary weight for her operations, they provided nutritious milk, essential vitamins, groceries, toiletries, and colostomy bags, all critical for her health and recovery. During the club’s summer outing in May 2025, Highlanders personally visited her humble home, with the assistance of the local government officials, bringing not only groceries, vitamins, and financial support but also warmth, compassion, and encouragement. That outing included a thorough medical checkup conducted by the club’s resident doctor and nurse, who carefully monitored Ara’s condition and progress. These efforts went far beyond ordinary charity — they were acts of hope and love, designed to give Ara the strength, resilience, and care she needed, and to prepare her body and spirit for the life-changing surgeries that lay ahead.

On 31 July 2025, in coordination with the Anda municipal government, Ara was transported by an ambulance to Jose Reyes Medical Center, accompanied by her parents and a club member. Highlanders were present every step of the way, attending to her medical needs and providing support during checkups and procedures. While awaiting further tests, Ara, her mother, and her father stayed at Past President Denia Pinning’s residence in San Mateo, Rizal, where Highlanders ensured their daily needs, transportation, and emotional support were fully met.

Highlanders have also ensured Ara’s journey includes moments of normalcy and joy. Visits to the mall, trips to fast-food chains, and playful experiences — simple things many take for granted — brought laughter and light into Ara’s life and created cherished memories for her parents as well. These acts remind everyone that Rotary service is not only about medical care or financial support but about human connection, dignity, and love.

On 22 August 2025, Ara underwent a successful anoplasty, a major milestone in her long journey toward recovery. She now undergoes regular anal dilation therapy, a difficult but crucial part of her healing. Each procedure, each therapy session, and each doctor’s visit brings Ara closer to the healthy, happy life she deserves. Her fight is not hers alone—it is shared by Highlanders, generous donors, and an entire community who surround her with love, prayers, and unwavering support.

Ara’s courage has inspired other Highlanders to become deeply involved in her journey. PDG Virgilio Farcon, Jr., PDG Augie Soliman, DG Gina Sanchez, and SAG Roland Cardoniza have generously contributed to her medical expenses, demonstrating the power of leadership rooted in compassion. Every donation, every visit, every act of kindness has been a step toward giving Ara the healthy, dignified life she deserves.

Ara’s journey took another unforgettable turn during the club’s 14th Governor’s Visit on 24 October 2025. She met Governor Gina Sanchez and SAG Roland Cardoniza who provided financial support to her journey even before meeting her. Witnessing Ara in person allowed them to see the profound impact of their generosity. Surrounded by Highlanders’ joy, laughter, and fellowship, Ara experienced the warmth of a true Rotary family. It was a moment of shared humanity, proof that service is powered by heart. 

Ara’s journey also highlights the importance of community and fellowship. Her story is shared, celebrated, and supported not only by Highlanders but also by local government units, schools, and fellow Rotarians, creating a network of care that uplifts her family and provides hope for the future. This unity demonstrates Rotary’s mission: to serve humanity with heart and compassion.

The club continues to organize initiatives to support Ara, including a block screening on 20 December 2025, 7 PM at Cinema 1, Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig City, featuring the new Avatar movie. Proceeds will go directly toward her medical expenses. Highlanders, Rotarians, and friends are encouraged to participate in this fundraiser to help ensure Ara receives the care and love she needs.

Ara, our courageous young fighter, is not just a beneficiary of service; she is a teacher of resilience, inspiring Highlanders to be better, kinder, and more compassionate. She reminds us all that a single life can ripple outward, touching hearts, strengthening communities, and showing the world what genuine care and service can achieve.

Her journey continues with hope, courage, and unwavering support. Highlanders remain committed to walking every step with her, ensuring she experiences healing, happiness, and the fullness of life she deserves. Every gesture, every gift, every prayer brings Ara closer to a future where she can live with health, dignity, and joy.

Indeed, Ara’s story is a living testament to Rotary’s values: compassion, service, and transforming lives through love and action. Every contribution, whether of time, resources, or prayers, moves her closer to healing and a future full of hope. For those wishing to support her journey, the Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands welcomes donations, volunteer assistance, and participation in fundraising activities.

Written by: CP Prisco S. Rivera, Jr. and IPP Mark Jay Dagat, Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands