บท 50: Overwhelming joy and courage

"Rest assured that your donations will be put into good use. As our proposal stated, we plan to purchase only the state-of-the-art equipment for the newly built wing for the Department of Pediatrics. These will provide faster and easier diagnosis and treatment, essential during the early critical stage of the child's illness.

At the same time, some of the raised money would also be used to fund the newly built Research Department. It will be concentrating on finding new treatment methods for existing and newly discovered diseases that plague our children."

Her sister, George finally ended her opening remarks after providing all the vital information about the scope of the project they proposed for the development of the Pediatric Wing of the hospital.

George then introduced her since she would be acting as their ambassadress for the event. Her presence would provide help in the promotion of the hospital and the fundraising activity. Based on Jessica, it would also be favorable to her career.

"Without further ado, I present to you my sister, Ms. Sabrina Sanders," George announced to the media and the crowd gathered around the lobby of the hospital where the press conference was being held.

Sabrina walked directly to the podium with a wide smile on her face. She was truly excited about today's activity, which reflected on her expression.

"Before anything else, allow me to thank Dr. Edison Smith, Dr. Georgina Sanders, Dr. Edward Mason, and the rest of the staff for allowing me to be a part of such a prestigious event." She began her speech, silencing the whispers of the press and the crowd as they started to listen to her.

"I know some of you have not forgotten what happened last year, but being away from the industry made me realized that there was more to life than just making movies and entertaining people." She paused, taking a silence to breathe as she gathered her courage to continue.

Being a star did not mean that she was invincible. She also had to fight through her nerves before she could face the camera. Especially today, when there was so much at stake. Her credibility was tarnished because of the scandal, so she was not sure if her presence in this activity would help. She doubted her capacity as a role model to this youth.

"I'm not saying that I will stop my career in showbiz. I just think that it should not be the center of my existence. There are so many ways for us to be able to contribute to our community, not just by entertaining them inside a box, but by being present in other people's lives.

It can be through a simple donation or by showing that we care enough to be here. To provide moral support to those who are in need." She paused for a few seconds, looking at the faces of the crowd.

"To our generous benefactors, I rather you pull out your wallets or better yet, get your checkbooks ready. That's the best you can do for these kids who badly needed your help." The crowd roared in laughter with that one as she pointed to the wealthy men and women standing at the corner of the platform.

With a few more anecdotes about her small experience with kids, the crowd was ready to empty their wallets for her cause. A reporter on the center started clapping after she had thank again the mass of people gathered at the lobby. Then, a chain of applause and cheers echoed in the walls of the building.

She was immediately escorted inside the building into the office of Dr. Smith, the chief of the Surgical Department before they would proceed to the new Pediatric Wing where the next program of activities would be held.

"Where are we going first?" She asked Edward who had never left her side since she arrived earlier.

Jessica opted to stay at the lobby to answer more questions regarding her plans for the future in the entertainment industry. The reporters were not allowed to accompany them inside the hospital. Only the PR of the hospital could cover the entire event.

"First, we are going to the Pediatric Department. We had set up a little meet and greet for the kids who wished to see you." Edward explained to her as they continued to walk along the long hallway.

"Ok. That's wonderful." She expressed her excitement as they were ushered to the office to

"Ms. Sanders, thank you for donating a huge amount of money and your time for the benefit of the kids. Your presence alone will give them a lot of joy and hope." Dr. Smith stated as they waited for the signal for them to continue with their schedule.

Not a moment longer, they were notified that the kids were already waiting for them.

"Welcome to our department." Dr. Brown, the head of the Pediatric Department greeted her with a friendly smile and a firm handshake. "We are pleased that you took the time to visit the kids. They are all thrilled to hear that you are coming today."

She could see that as she scanned the kids scattered around the room. She heard them giggled and whispered her name as she entered the spacious room.

"It's my pleasure to be here. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this event." She looked around and saw a handful of young kids who remained shyly admiring her from afar. A few were scattered in the room, sitting on the sofa, chairs, and their wheelchairs.

It was a big common area with a sort of living room, a sofa at the center, a television, and several small tables and chairs on the sides. There was also a mini playground where the small kids could play, and a mini library where they could opt to read.

"Kids, let's greet our friend, Ms. Sabrina with a warm welcome." The nurse in-charge in the room announced to everyone.

The kids in unison shouted in various levels their welcome greeting. A girl, probably in her teens, walked to her, dragging with her a stand that was holding her IV drip, which was attached to her arm. She smiled at her shyly and handed her a rose.

"I'm Phoebe. Thank you for visiting us. You are very beautiful. I'll always be your number one fan." She uttered in her melodic voice.

"I think you are very beautiful too." She held on to her hands and hugged the young lady before letting her moved to the side. "Thanks." She said as she blinked the tears away that were threatening to fall from her eyes.

She could not cry in front of these kids, regardless of how depressing their situations were. They were just kids. They were supposed to have many more years to look forward to. Unfortunately, they were confined on this floor, battling with their different kind of illnesses.

Another girl in a wheelchair this time approached her with another flower. "I'm Lhea." She wiggled her fingers for her to come closer, then whispered in her low raspy voice. "You just made my wish come true."

"And, what is that?" She asked as she knelt to her level, curious about the dream of this young girl.

"To see you, silly. You are my favorite actress. I wanted to become one too when I am strong enough." She boldly exclaimed to her and everyone present in the room. She could see the effort that she made just to tell her that.

"You can't be an actress. You're bald." A little boy quickly objected to the little girl's statement.

"But, they said that after my chemotherapy sessions, my hair will grow back again. I can be an actress by then." Lhea whined softly, contradicting the little boy.

The boy introduced himself as Tommy. "This is for you." Handing her another rose.

"Tommy, I think Lhea can be anyone she wanted to be. Even you, as long as that you work hard to achieve it." She touched Tommy's cheek and gave him a small hug, same as Lhea. "You can always wear a wig if you're strong enough." She assured Lhea.

"I told you I can be an actress," Lhea said sweetly to Tommy, who finally agreed with her.

A few more kids did the same thing, with a wide smile on their lips. With hope etched on their faces, she felt once again humbled to stand in their presence.

Edward who was standing at her side, slowly held her hand, giving her strength to not break down and cry. The reality of this scenario to her was an eye awakening experience that made her realize the insignificance of her problems compared to them.

Instead of her, giving joy and strength to these brave little souls fighting for a chance to live longer, she felt it went the other way around. In this case, it was them who filled her with overwhelming joy and courage to face the world again.