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After being bedridden for years, this 18-year-old boy is finally free


The 18-year-old boy who has been stuck in his bed for years is finally free and ready to take on his dreams.

"Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" on Sunday checked on Junmark, who appeared in the program last March. He has been bedridden because of his swollen legs and feet full of bruises. Every inch of movement causes Junmark so much pain, his family thought it best for him to remain in bed.

"Parang hayop na rin ako, pinapakain na lang," Junmark said. "Hindi nakakapagtrabaho. Buti pa ang baboy nakakalakad sa kulungan, ang mga paa niya kayang magalaw. Ako, parang 'yung hindi na makatayo."

(I'm like an animal that they just feed. I’m not able to work. Pigs have it better than me, they are able to walk in their pens. I couldn't even stand up.)

"Gusto ko po ay mabuhay nang matagal. Panalangin ko, sana po may himala na dumating," he said. "Paggising ko, wala na 'tong mga sugat ko. Hinihiling ko lang po sa Diyos na pagalingin Niya na ako dahil marami pa akong kailangan pang gawin sa mundo," he added.

(I want to live a long life. I pray for a miracle. I want to wake up one day and my bruises would be gone. I pray that God heals me. There’s so many things I need to do in this life.)

While he was not able to move an inch from the bed, his father Tatay Roger served as his hands and his feet.

Tatay Roger may not be the one who has been stuck and bruised in bed, but he shares the pain of his son.

Seven months after first appearing in "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Junmark has been freed from the bed.

Medical professionals of Bicol Region General Hospital Geriatric Medical Center in Camarines Sur gave him a checkup after which they learned that Junmark has leprosy.

According to medical experts, Junmark's legs and feet had to be amputated.

Junmark had to stay in the hospital for a few months to prepare for his operation.

In the middle of his preparation, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic happened in the country.


"Natakot ako doon dahil baka magka-COVID si Junmark tapos kami, ako, takot ako noon. Nanalangin ako na sana mag galing si Junmark, hindi kami mahawaan ng COVID," he added.

(I was afraid that Junmark might contract the virus. I was praying hard that Junmark would recover quickly and that he will be spared from the disease.)

Junmark was able to continue with the amputation. The nurse and hospital staff made sure they were extra careful caring for Junmark.

Seven months later, the teenager is now looking healthy and able to freely move around even without his legs and feet.

"Marami na pong nagbago sa akin po. May nagbago na rin po sa kamay ko, nagagalaw ko na po. Ngayon po nakakaupo na po ako," he said.

(My life has changed. I can move my hands now. I can sit down.)

"Malaya na po ako dun sa parang kulungan na sa bahay, malaya na nakakalabas at nakikita ko ang araw at yung mga ibon na lumilipad," he said.

(I am now free to move around and step out of the house. I’m free to see the sun and the birds flying.)

But this is just the beginning of the changes that is about to happen in Junmark's life.

Aside from the free medical assistance he got from Goa, Camarines Sur, help swarmed Junmark after his story aired on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

Tatay Roger used the financial help they received to build a new home with three bedrooms, where Junmark already has his own space. They even have a piggery now, and a sari-sari store.

To give back to his father's sacrifices, Junmark wants to continue his studies to become a teacher.

His dream, Junmark says, was inspired by his own second grade teacher, Teacher Mary. He hopes he could also serve an inspiration to those who are going through difficult times.

"’Yung may kagaya sa akin na karamdaman, huwag kayo mawalan ng pagasa dahil may kamay pa kayo na puwede n’yong gawan ng paraan para abutin iyong pangarap," he said.

"Nandiyan ang Panginoon na tulungan kayo at gagabayan," he added

(To those who are suffering, don’t lose hope. We can still reach for our dreams. God is there to guide us in fulfilling our dreams.) — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News

Tags: kmjs
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