That Hope that Saved His Life

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. David Brinkley Despite being scarce with comfort and luxury in life, Cris Kesz Valdez still managed to stand on his feet and pursue his existence through his initiative. Kesz was considered one of the nominees for the International Childrens Peace Prize (ICPP) 2012 together with Amina from Ghana and Awara from India who are both fighting for girls rights. And last September, Kesz was proclaimed as the winner, chosen by the Expert Committee. 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner, South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu handed Valdez the 100, 000 euro ($130,000) at Ridderzaal in The Hague, Netherlands. Kesz before shared the same fate with other unfortunate children. He was deprived with food and shelter. But he found ways. At the age of three, he ransacked trash bins to find remnants to fill his stomach, and he found home in open tombs. It never got easier when he worked on rummaging for plastics and steels in dumpsites. He met a fatal accident which reversed the road he was tracking. A stranger took care of him. He was then inspired to organize the charity group, Championing Community Children which initiated to raise fund and give gift parcels which include basic needs and also teach about hygiene and childrens rights to the indigents in Cavite City. Now, he has already given more than 5,000 gifts, which will surely expand because of the prize he received though according to the chairman of the KidsRights Foundation, the organizer of the ICCP that a committee together with Valdez is still to decide the allocation of the award. So far, Kesz together with his friends who helped him build the foundation has helped more than 10,000 destitute children, large enough to be supported by a small group like theirs. But still they conquered the inevitable. Aside from his own organization, he is also the youngest volunteer at Penaflorida's Dynamic Teen Company. Kesz suppose he will use the prize for his education and pursue being a doctor. "My message to children around the world is not to lose hope and to remember things like hygiene said Valdez. My message to all children around the globe is; our health is our wealth! Being healthy will enable you to play, to think clearly, to get up and go to school and love the people around you in so many ways. To everyone in the world, please remember that every day, 6,000 children die from diseases associated with poor sanitation, poor hygiene, and we can do something about it! Please join me in helping street children achieve better health and better lives, uttered Valdez. A sense of purpose in life arising from a very young mind is very rare. It springs from extraordinary individuals with exceptional zeal. Kesz history made him tougher. As how the song goes, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. In whatever state we are right now, there will always be a plight. And every problem that we passed through alive is another story of success. There will always be troubles but we can survive each and every day if were filled with enthusiasm. We might think that what were going through right now is the hardest, mindless of others who live each day with just the willingness to live as their armour. Our survival kit must contain not only our faith in Him, but also our faith in ourselves.