Why has this 18-year-old been stuck in his bed for 5 years?

Junmark is an 18-year-old boy with big hopes and dreams. Instead of studying or hanging out with friends, he stays at home, stuck on his bed.

He has been lying in bed for five years. His legs and feet are swollen and full of bruises. The slightest of movements cause him pain.

"Hindi na ako nagpalipat ng hinihigaan ko dahil masakit na. Hindi ko na kaya ipagalaw. Parang ang bigat ng katawan ko," he said in an episode of ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’.

[It hurts to get up from my bed. I can’t move. It’s as if something heavy is weighing me down.]

According to Junmark, it all started when he was 12 years old. He began working in a junk shop to help his family.

When he comes home from work, Junmark does not usually wash his feet. One time, his feet swelled up. He had it checked, but the doctor said it was only an allergic reaction.

He was given medicines to treat his condition, but Junmark did not take them. Eventually, he felt his body swell up.

"Sumakit na ang ulo ko, palagi akong may lagnat. Naramdaman ko na hindi ko na maigalaw ang paa ko, parang ang sakit na," he said.

[My head was hurting. ­I often had fever. Until one day, I couldn’t move my legs anymore.]

Bruises also started to appear on his lower body.

"Parang pakiramdam ko, unti-unting naglalaho ang aking sarili, natutunaw na ang katawan ko," he said.

[It was almost as if I was slowly disappearing. My body felt like it was melting.]

Junmark lives in Goa, Camarines Sur with his father, Roger. His mother had died a long time ago.

Despite having a foot injury, Roger still does everything for his son. He feeds Junmark and makes sure he is safe from harm.

It is no easy feat, but Roger said he is willing to sacrifice and do everything for his son.

"Syempre, nakakaawa. Gusto nating mga magulang na mabuhay ang anak natin," he said. "Syempre pagdating sa mga ganyan, masakit."

[It hurts seeing him in this state. As a parent, you want your child to live happily.]

"Kahit ako hindi maghapunan, hindi kumain ng gabi, basta ibibigay ko sa kanya," Roger said.

[If feeding him meant that I need to skip dinner, I would. I’ll give everything to him.]

Despite the pain and suffering, Junmark remains hopeful for his future. He said that he wants to be able to build his own family and be with his loved ones.

"Ang pangarap ko, magandang pamilya, sariling bahay. Gusto kong mabuhay, maggala-gala sa mundo, makaranas ng masaya," he said.

[I want to have my own family, my own house. I want to see the world. I want to be happy.]

According to a medical specialist, Junmark could possibly have leprosy. The doctor advised that Junmark had to be confined at a hospital.

Recently, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Managament of the municipality of Goa visited Junmark to bring him to the Bicol Region Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in San Pedro, Cabusao, Camarines Sur.

After five years of being stuck in his bed, Junmark will finally be treated properly.

For those who want to help Junmark, please deposit to:

LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES-GOA, CAMARINES SUR

ACCOUNT NAME: ROGER B. ENON

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 2086  185876

— Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News