Reaching Further Through Intentional Relationships: Tebow CURE in Zamboanga City
One of Tebow CURE’s core values—intentional Relationships—is anchored in Hebrews 10:24, which encourages us to emphasize building strong, collaborative partnerships that impact every area of the hospital’s work. Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital lives out this value within its walls and far beyond—traveling to underserved cities and municipalities across Mindanao. Through Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) with Local Government Units (LGUs), the hospital has extended its reach to over 143 cities and municipalities, allowing more children to access life-changing medical care.
Recently, Tebow CURE had the opportunity to conduct a two-day mobile screening in Zamboanga City, a vibrant city 18 hours away from the hospital. Known as Asia’s Latin City for its unique use of Chabacano, a Spanish-based language, Zamboanga City is home to over one million people and 98 barangays. Despite its cultural richness and progress in governance and tourism, many children with disabilities in the city remain underserved.
Through a meaningful partnership with the Zamboanga City LGU, Tebow CURE saw 180 patients and identified 133 children eligible for treatment at the hospital. During the program, Tebow CURE Executive Director Peter Cowles welcomed the families, saying, “Besides the sponsored surgeries, free accommodation, meals, and transportation through the MOA, you will be treated and welcomed as family. So starting right now, we would like to welcome you to the Tebow CURE family. We are excited to have you and see you in the hospital soon.”
Representatives from the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the Zamboanga City PWD Federation (ZCPWDFeD), and several barangay-level PWD associations were also present at the event. These groups were critical in identifying children with treatable conditions and connecting families to the hospital’s free services.
CSWDO head Socorro Acuña-Rojas expressed her deep appreciation for the partnership, saying, “We are very fortunate to have this partnership with Tebow CURE. The children of Zamboanga can now avail of the free world-class services the hospital can offer, and for that, we are very thankful.”
Nasser’s Story: A Step Toward Healing
Among the qualified patients was Nasser, a four-year-old boy born with bilateral clubfoot. This congenital condition caused his feet to curve inward, affecting his ability to walk and stand for long periods. “When he came out, we thought that there was a baby switch that had happened because of his clubfoot,” his sister Irene recalled. “But the doctor confirmed that Nasser was ours.”
Their home, built on stilts along the ocean shore, makes it especially difficult for Nasser to move around. “We have to walk on wooden planks to get across. We look after him and carry him around when he wants to go out,” Irene shared. “He doesn’t want to wear slippers or socks, so I don’t have any choice but to carry him.”
At first, Nasser’s mother was hesitant about seeking treatment—feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. But after hearing from neighbors and friends who had experienced Tebow CURE’s care, her heart began to change. “We want our Nasser to have a good life,” Irene said tearfully. “And since this sponsored treatment came to us, we will do it for him.”
The mobile screening in Zamboanga City is more than an outreach. It is a testament to a genuine partnership and compassion. It shows how building intentional relationships opens doors to healing for children like Nasser, who once had no access to treatment or hope for a better future. As Tebow CURE continues to grow its partnerships across the region, every MOA signed, every kilometer traveled, and every child served brings us closer to a vision where no child is left behind because of disability.
Want to be a part of this mission? You can sponsor a mobile clinic through this link.
