Listening to Audi Colongon’s story, a 14-year dialysis patient and DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals In Crisis Situation (AICS) beneficiary, was like a warm hug on a cold day – a reminder to cherish every breath, and to find strength in vulnerability.
His journey of trials and triumphs is full of unwavering courage and resilience, imparting valuable insights that leave indelible marks.
- Understand and Embrace Life’s Reality
Audi’s experience brought to light the stark reality of life but with the spirit and faith to face life’s twists and turns, he found the strength to adapt and thrive.
“Ang pagiging Dialysis Patient, hindi yan pag uminom ka ng gamot, iepekto na bukas.(Being a dialysis patient isn’t just about taking medication and expecting results tomorrow). It takes time. Our doctors medically guide us, how to manage our situation. Trust your doctors. We need to know our health condition and how to live with it. Yong pagtanggap, hindi madali (Acceptance isn’t easy,) but you need to trust the process. And help yourself. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck in the same place. Rise above in your situation. Empower yourself,” Audi said with his vibrant energy.
- Make Discipline a Habit
Living with a health condition requires discipline and mindfulness. Audi’s story showed the importance of living in moderation and having a system that works for ones health.
“Napilay na ako, nagkaroon ng hip replacemant, naoperahan and dalawang mata ko for cataract removal, at nagka-Covid na rin, sa condition ko, (I’ve had my share of setbacks – I’ve been limping, had a hip replacement, had surgery on both eyes for cataract removal, and even battled Covid, given my condition), I need to always remind myself to live with discipline. Honestly, noong bata-bata ako, hirap ako sa compliance ng gamot, challenge talaga sa akin, idagdag mo pa yong active lifestyle ko dati (When I was younger, I struggled with medication compliance, taking my medicines regularly was a challenge with my active lifestyle then),” Audi said laughing and reminiscing his past experience.
- Ask for Help
Having the courage to ask for assistance is crucial, and it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. However, Audi’s journey highlighted the importance of having a support system. The presence of family members, relatives, community, doctors and the government – the support system, it really matters most especially on difficult times.
“Actually, dumaan ako sa depression (I went through depression). I even checked the list of symptoms, at umabot ako sa punto na nagpacheck ako sa (had to check myself to) Philippine Mental Health Association for my sanity, just to make sure I am okay,” said Audi recalling his lowest point in life.
He shared that before DSWD’s AICS, he also gained support from other government institution. He also said that he believes in the power of community. “Now I am a regular beneficiary of AICS. Every 3 months I go here to process my medical assistance for my medicines. As a dialysis patient at the same time a Persons With Disabilities (PWD), I really need this kind of help, not just financially but, the moral support I get from you all, I have the courage to live my life,” he added with his smile.
- Focus on the Good
Every cloud has a silver lining. Audi’s positivity and mindset are inspiring. Using past experiences to become stronger and staying away from stressors help live life one day at a time and make the most of it.
“Importante ang peace of mind, the inner peace. Kailangan kong icontrol ang emotions ko. Kasi kung magagalit ako ng todo, baka maatake pa ako, sino ang talo, siyempre ako (Peace of mind is important, the inner peace. I need to control my emotions. Because if I get too angry, I might get an attack, and who loses out? Me, of course),” he said.
It’s not about ignoring the problems or pretending everything’s perfect, but more like deciding where to put ones energy. Choosing to pay attention to the positive stuff in life, that’s where the magic happens.
- Never Compare and Be Grateful
Gratefulness creates a beautiful ripple effect. Audi’s gratitude and acceptance of his reality are essential learnings and inspiration to others, making a chain reaction of positivity. Indeed, counting the blessings in life and being content can bring peace and happiness.
“Walang iisang tao, iba-iba tayo ng case, ng situation. Magkakaiba rin ang pasyente, magkakaiba ang reaction ng medicines sa atin. Masaya na ako na hindi ako nagkakasakit. Masaya ako kung ano meron ako, hindi na ako naghahangad ng wala. Parang, siya nakapunta sa beach, yong isa nakapag-abroad. Okay lang, ito na reality ko, accept at maging kontento (No two people are the same. We all have different cases, different situations. Patients are different, and medicines affect us differently. I’m just happy that I’m not getting worse. I’m happy with what I have. I don’t crave for what I don’t have. It’s like, if one person gets to go to the beach, or another gets to go abroad, it is okay. This is my reality, and I’ve learned to accept it and be content),” he shared with teary eyes.
To end, Audi emphasized the importance of prayer in facing life’s challenges.
“Basta ang dasal ko lang ay malagpasan ko ang bawat challenge na darating sa akin. Mabuhay ako nang maayos at hindi madagdagan ang aking sakit. At kung madagdagan man, sana makayanan ko. At sa mga taong nagmamahal sa akin at sa programa ng DSWD na AICS na siyang tumutulong sa aking gamutan, sana patuloy ang binibigay nyong malasakit at suporta sa akin at sa mga kapwa nating nangangailangan din ng assistance. Mula sa akin, taos-puso ang aking pasasalamat sa inyong lahat. (All I pray for is to overcome every challenge that comes my way. To live well and not have my condition worsen. And if it does get worse, I hope I can handle it. And to those who love me and to the DSWD’s AICS program that’s helping with my treatment, I hope you continue to give your care and support to me and to our fellow Filipinos who also need assistance. From me, my heartfelt thanks to all of you),” Audi said.
When life gets tough, some people crumble, while others rise. Audi Colongon is one of those rare individuals who embodies resilience, courage, and determination. With the support of DSWD’s AICS Program, provides him the care and assistance he needed most to rise above his challenges. His inspiring story is a testament to the impact of compassionate help and timely intervention of the Department’s Program that aspires to empower Filipinos like Audi to face their battles with courage.
# DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MAYROSE U. CARIÑO
