Fourteen-year-old Hannah Shane Suarez of Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City is now recuperating after undergoing cardiac ligation of the artery and patch closure at the Philippine General Hospital – one of the beneficiaries of the 1st Javi Benitez Run dubbed Dalagan Para sa Kabataan held last August 13, 2016 in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. 

Mrs. Nikki Benitez and Mary Ann Dino of the Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation visit Hannah Shane in the hospital after the cardiac procedure done by Dr. Jonas del Rosario. See more photos...

            Hannah Shane contracted pneumonia as an infant and was diagnosed with congenital heart disease.  She was in and out of hospitals while growing up and needed to undergo pulmonary bypass as soon as possible.

            Another beneficiary, 12-year old Gwyneth Zoe de la Peña, of Barangay 4 in Victorias City, also of Negros Occidental, diagnosed with ovarian cancer is currently in Manila for a much needed medical consultation.  Early this year, she already underwent surgery and started chemo-therapy sessions.

            Mary Ann Dino, executive director of the Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation that partnered with Javi Benitez for the Run project, facilitated coordination with the medical team for the consultation and procedures  for treatment of   the beneficiaries. For Hannah Shane the surgery was led by  Dr. Jonas del Rosario.

            Close to 4,000 youths and adults shelled out registration fees to raise funds for the 1st Javi Benitez Run beneficiaries.

            The Most Holy Trinity Orphanage run by sisters at Bandong Village in Victorias City is also another recipient of assistance from the  activity.  The financial aid will be allocated for the schooling of the young wards of the orphanage and to support their livelihood projects.

            Another highlight of the run was the Youth Fair that showcased artistic craftsmanship and livelihood skills of students in the Third District secondary schools – among them, Victorias National High School, Negros Occidental National Science High School, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Doña Monserrat Lopez Memorial National High School, EB Magalona National High School and also the Most Holy Trinity Orphanage.

            Other  co-organizers of the 1st Javi Benitez Run are the Victorias City Government  led by Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca and the Team Victorias Run and Walk Club.*