Heroes...

photo from https://www.facebook.com/events/1420191398204734/?active_tab=discussion

photo from https://www.facebook.com/events/1420191398204734/?active_tab=discussion

Night Run for Ron was one of the first projects of Team Malaya. Team Malaya is a running organization based in Baguio City. They organize and support road and trail running events in the Philippines most especially in the Cordillera region. The event was created to support Ron Albert Dating, an 8-year old child who was suffering from leukemia. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. Leukemia develops when there is an irregularity in terms of the production of white blood cells or if the white blood cells are produced in such an amount wherein they target and destroy red blood cells. Leukemia is one of the most common kinds of cancer children suffer around the world. There are several symptoms of this disease such as fever, chills, persistent fatigue, weakness, frequent or severe infections, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, easy bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds, excessive sweating and pain or tenderness in the bones. Ron was going through tough times. As young as he was, he already needed to undergo several chemotherapy sessions to destroy the cancer cells in his body. But, the procedure also destroys the good cells in his body which is why he’s having a hard time healing and recuperating after his chemotherapy sessions.  During that time, his family did not have enough means to continue with the treatment because of the lack of finances. Ron’s story was brought into attention by one mother who met Ron during one of her hospital visits. The mother who saw Ron believed that he could live a better life, have more chances to smile and make art. Drawing and painting are Ron’s hobbies.  The mother went to different organizations to seek help and assistance. She had one hope and that was to give Ron a better chance to fight against leukemia and for his family to have a better life. Team Malaya was one of the organizations who believed that Ron can still recover and live a good life despite of his current condition. They planned, prepared and organized a night run wherein people of all ages can join and have fun while having the opportunity of helping Ron and his family with their financial needs especially for his chemotherapy sessions. The organizers of the event firmly believed that an individual can change the world by doing acts of kindness.

photo from https://www.facebook.com/events/1420191398204734/?active_tab=discussion
photo from https://www.facebook.com/events/1420191398204734/?active_tab=discussion



The organizers did a lot of marketing strategies to promote and advertise the event. They maximized the use of social media such as Facebook and Instagram. They also printed posters that were displayed in several business establishments, schools, universities, government institutions and public places around Baguio City. The organizers were also interviewed by one of the local TV stations here in Baguio City to share the story of Ron and why they decided to organize such an event. They also asked Ron to create several artworks that will be duplicated and used as the official merchandise of the event. A lot of people bought his other artworks for a good price. Some of his artworks were also auctioned to the highest bidder. During the event, the organizers decided to give special prizes to those who will reach the finish line with the fastest time. They also gave out prizes to those who ran with their hero or superhero costumes. Some people ran with their Spiderman and Superman suits. Some also ran with their costumes based on Filipino heroes. After the event, the organizers provided the complete information regarding the money they got from the event that was given to Ron and his family and it did not stop there. They still continued to give help whatever way they can even after the event. As we can see, there were a lot of strategies applied before, during and after the event to ensure its success. 

photo from https://www.facebook.com/events/1420191398204734/?active_tab=discussion
The response of people who supported the event and the runners were tremendous. A lot of individuals and families from Baguio City ran together for a good cause. A lot of people also volunteered to assist and support the event. Some participants and volunteers of the event might not have met or known Ron personally but they were still willing to help in any way they can. Because of the event, we can believe that there are still a lot of good people in this world. There is still humanity and camaraderie left in our community. The Baguio community supports events which are made for a good cause. After this race, I have noticed a steady increase of running events in the city as well as an increase in runners from different parts of Baguio and La Trinidad. People have become more aware of running events and a lot of these events are for a good cause.

It’s been 4 years since the Night Run for Ron and unfortunately the beneficiary of the event, passed away after a few months following the event. The main goal of the event was to help Ron regardless of what the future may hold. The event’s purpose was to give Ron a better chance of survival and for the people who joined the event to realize that they can always be a hero in their own small ways.

OTHER REFERENCES:
Leukemia. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukemia/basics/definition/con-20024914 on April 19, 2017.

Leukemia. Retrieved from https://www.lls.org/leukemia on April 22, 2017.


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