Fun-run set for sick teacher on August 18

By Ramon Dacawi

BAGUIO CITY -- Here’s one case about suffering serving as catalyst for community action - through a fun-run.  

Running enthusiasts of all ages will cover at least three-kilometers around the Rizal Elementary School on Aug. 18, into the life – and heart – of a teacher battling cancer for months now.

Whether the actual distance will be measured will be known when the organizers meet in the school this Tuesday afternoon to map out the route passing through barangays of kids 42-year old Elenita Soriano had taught over the years.  

Soriano, who teaches in grade IV at Rizal,  arrived home Wednesday afternoon, aboard an ambulance dispatched by mayor Mauricio Domogan to Dagupan city where she finished her month-long radiation therapy for throat cancer that has affected her pelvic bones.  

Upon arrival, the ambulance crew from the city disaster risk reduction and management council (CDRRMC) transferred her into a wheelchair donated years back by SM Foundation, through executive director Connie Angeles.

The wheelchair’s original beneficiary, a brother of an employee of the Benguet Electric Cooperative, had long recovered and turned over the same for use by others needing it.

As her illness left her family financially drained, Soriano got emergency support of P10,000 for her medicine maintenance and basic daily needs. The amount was sent by Shoshin Kinderhilfe, a small foundation in Germany led by former world traditional karate champion Julian Chees.  

“We look forward to having the CDRRMC,  BENECO, Shoshin and the communities around Rizal  help us man the fun-run route and watering stations on August 18,” said punong barangay Mike Arnaiz of Outlook Drive

Arnaiz and fellow village chiefs the likes of Mike Lawana of Lower Dagsian and Jerry Sales of Engineers Hill under the newly formed Samahang Barangay Pangkalikasan (SBP) earlier spearheaded a fun run that raised funds for three cancer patients of Outlook.

Inspired by that outlook outside the box, they decided to take on teacher Soriano’s cause, in coordination with the Rizal Elementary School family headed by principalBrendaleeCelino.

This early, the organizing committee got the support of Azalea Residences, Mines View Hotel and  Chef’s Home Restaurant International of Alvin and Gina Emuang who committed to bring in brewed coffee and pandesal after the runners have completed the course that begins and ends at the school.

Others in and outside the Baguio community can help by registering for the run or sponsoring runners at P200 per participant, volunteering to man traffic along the route or to dispense cups along the  watering stations,providing support vehicles, water, juice, coffee or pandesal.

Volunteer medics are also needed, to check the fitness of would-be runners and monitor their progress along the route.

Readers who would like to be involved in any capacity may contact Arnaiz through landline number 424-1293 and cellphone 09297699644, Rizal Elementary School principal Celino (09084615663), and  the information division of the mayor’s office (landline 442-2502, cellphone 09167778103).

Sponsorship tickets and registration forms for the runners will be available at Rizal and the barangay offices surrounding the school by this coming Friday.