Woman from Polillo Island thanks GMA Kapuso Foundation for giving her a 'second life'

A woman from Polillo Island has nothing but gratitude for GMA Kapuso Foundation, more than a decade after it helped her with her myoma operation.

According to “24 Oras,” Wednesday, Berna Pacia’s stomach started growing in 2006, which made it difficult for her to move and walk.

“Nung mga panahon na ako po’y malaki ang tiyan, hindi ko na po naisip na may pasko pa. Iniisip ko kung kailan ako mamamatay dahil dagdag pabigat lang ako sa pamilya,” Berna said.

“Pagkapayat-payat niya, kaya nga may tali ‘yun sa taas kasi nakatali ito, ta’s naka-ganito kasi hindi na makahiga dahil sa kalakihan ng tiyan,” Berna’s mother, Tessie Pacia, said.

A nun saw Berna’s condition and helped her seek assistance from GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Because there were no specialists in their area, Berna had to travel to Manila, where she immediately underwent an operation.

In less than an hour, 38 liters of water were already removed from her stomach, which she carried for four years.

17 years after the operation, Berna is now healthier and feeling much better, helping her family make a living.

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa aking mga doctor ng ospital ng Metropolitan. Marami pong salamat sa inyong lahat,” Berna said.

“Hindi ko makalimutan ang GMA. ‘Pag naaalala ko, ako ay naiiyak sa laki ng naitulong,” Tessie said.

During her visit to Polillo Island, GMA Kapuso Foundation Ambassador and Special Adviser Mel Tiangco made sure to visit Berna to personally check on her and give gifts.

“Tita Mel, ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa iyo dahil ako po ay inyong binigyan ng pangalawang buhay at tsaka po sana’y mas marami pang tao ang matulungan mo tulad ko,” Berna said.

For those who are interested to help, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

— Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News