Support Children
Why was Help for kids in the Philippines founded?
For over a year, we received support to help Gryka (more info about Gryka here). Unfortunately, despite all our efforts, we could not save her, and Gryka passed away on October 2, 2017.
After her death, I spent a long time reflecting on whether all the work, effort, and donations were even worth it. All efforts seemed in vain. But as time passed—time during which Teresa and I repeatedly looked at photos and videos of her—it became clear to us that it was indeed worthwhile.
A year without a tumor, a year without great pain, a year full of hope, a year of simply being a child, one more year with her family, a year full of new friends, a year full of love, a year of hope and fear from people, some living on the other side of the world, who prayed for this child. She would never have experienced all this and much more if our paths had not crossed by chance.
Furthermore, I believe that everything happens for a reason. Based on our experiences with Gryka, I and Teresa Wieser—my best friend since early childhood, who has supported me from the start—decided that the reason, the meaning of this experience, was to help other children.
Together, we then founded the association Help for Kids in the Philippines e.V.
Gryka brought many people together, and through her, we experienced what charity truly means. Numerous people were touched by her, and it is incredible how many wished only the best for this little girl.
I would make the same decision today as I did in July 2016.
This one year meant a lot to Gryka, her parents, and me, and I learned how much change you can set in motion in this world with just a little bit of love.
I could not save Gryka, but I will do my best to ensure other children have a chance to be healed because of her.