In a modest home in the city of San Fernando, Philippines, a few hours’ drive from Manila, lives Annelyn, a devoted mother who is no stranger to miracles. While her husband works abroad, Annelyn relies on the support of her parents to help raise her two children: Ren, 10 years old, and her newborn daughter, Yelena Den—whom they lovingly call Denden. Yelena was born just last year, a miracle baby for her parents who had previously experienced a miscarriage and were not sure a second child would be possible. 

The family lives in Annelyn’s childhood home, a small two-story stucco house in a neighborhood not far from the town center. Their two dogs noisily greet the family. Entering through the small kitchen, shoes are removed before moving into the living area. On the wall is a wedding photo of Annelyn and her husband along with the customary graduation photos of nieces and nephews. A rotating fan in the corner provides a welcome breeze.  

“We have an extended family culture,” Annelyn says, describing how her mother, a comforting presence, helps with Denden and Ren. “It’s a good thing because it’s very hard to find someone, not your relative, to take care of your children.” The help is needed as Annelyn has her hands full with all the joyful, yet sometimes taxing duties of life and motherhood. Ren has ADHD and needs extra support with school. Annelyn herself is still recovering from a difficult pregnancy all while caring for Yelena who was born six weeks premature, requiring extra care and lots of nursing sessions. Annelyn is currently only a few weeks into her 15-week maternity leave but will rely on her mother’s help even more once she returns to work. Despite all this Annelyn is overjoyed that she was able to have a second child – something her doctors told her was unlikely.   

Diagnosed with diabetes and anemia, Annelyn’s doctors warned her that getting pregnant again would be difficult, and even if she did, the pregnancy would be high-risk. When she discovered she was expecting, Annelyn was both overjoyed and worried. “It was scary,” she admits. She also had a miscarriage not long before getting pregnant with Yelena which, although not uncommon, took an emotional and physical toll. The stress of a high-risk pregnancy coupled with mounting medical costs weighed heavily on Annelyn.   

The challenging pregnancy ended with a challenging arrival: Yelena was born six weeks premature. The birth brought both immense relief and new concerns: her tiny body needed time to grow and gain strength, and her little feet were severely twisted inward.  

Regardless, Annelyn’s joy at seeing her newborn baby girl was immeasurable. “She is a miracle baby,” she says, big tears rolling down her cheeks. “We named her Yelena because it means ‘shining bright.’”  

Faith, hope and early detection

Faith plays a big role in Annelyn’s life, and it’s where she turned when faced with the seemingly insurmountable challenge of finding care for Yelena’s clubfoot. “My mother raised me to believe in God,” she says, “and that faith gives me hope.” 

After saying a prayer together, Annelyn and her mother swaddle Yelena, put on the face masks recommended at the hospital, and head to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial for Yelena’s first casting appointment.

Holding her baby in her arms, Annelyn boards a Jeepney (small bus open on the back) with her mother, who never leaves her side, traveling the short distance to the clinic. In addition to being anxious about the first appointment, Annelyn is also worried that treatment will cost more than the family can afford, especially since the delivery and pre-natal care already drained their savings. 

Dr. Concepcion greets them at the hospital, providing reassurance and clarity. He explained that Yelena’s clubfoot was not related to Annelyn’s health complications. “And it’s completely treatable,” he tellsher, emphasizing that with the right care, Yelena will walk, run, and develop normally. He also assures them that treatment is completely free.  

Heading into the casting room, Annelyn shares that “seeing other kids who were treated and can walk normally gives me hope that Yelena will be okay. There is hope indeed. Yelena will be able to live a normal life like other kids.” 

As Yelena grows stronger each day, her future—free from the limitations of clubfoot—comes into clearer view. Because her condition was detected early and her family diligently attended appointments, she’ll grow up able to walk, run, and play like any child, with no memory of the time before her feet were straight.