Boy who survived intestine, kidney disease paints notebook covers to raise funds for friend with brain tumor

A seven-year-old boy from Bacolod City who survived an intestine and a kidney disease is now raising funds for his friend who has a brain tumor.

According to Katrina Son's report on "24 Oras Weekend," Sunday, Derek Sanchez Sanson paints cover designs for notebooks, which he sells for P100 each.

The notebooks were first sold to their family members so he could save money for an Xbox. After learning of his friend's brain tumor, he changed his mind.

"When I was young, I was sick too. Jesus healed me so I want to help him too," he said.

Derek was one year old when he got diagnosed with intussusception.

"The big intestine went over the small intestine. It's a miracle that it disappeared," his mom Gianne said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Later, he also suffered from a kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome. He has since recovered and is now doing better.

That's why Derek did not hesitate to make more notebooks to help his friend so he could also heal. As of reporting, he now has 1,700 orders.

"I said, 'Are you getting tired of doing this? Are you tired of painting more designs?' Then he looked at me strangely and said, ‘Why would I be tired to help?'" Gianne said.

Some private companies have reached out and offered to help Derek's business grow. In fact, some of his works will be given to kids affected by the Marawi siege.

Watching Derek extend his hands to people who are suffering, Gianne said she sees Derek's healing as a blessing.

"I think the gift of healing was really granted to him two times and it's not just for himself. After all, he has a greater mission," she said.

Meanwhile, Derek only has one thing in mind: "I hope my notebooks can help you."

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News