Young Hearts and Heroes: Teenager creates children’s storybook for Pediatric Cancer patients

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

As the nation celebrates the National Heroes Day on August 26, a new generation of heroes is emerging, showing that heroism comes in many forms.

16-year-old Jacqueline “Nikki” Dominique Go has launched a children’s storybook titled “The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands,” designed specifically for pediatric cancer patients.

Inspired by the children’s resilience and imagination, the book is the first in a planned series aimed at inspiring young patients through creative storytelling.

“Damgo,” a local term which means “dream”, reflects the series’ mission to instill hope and creativity in children facing serious illness.

“I hope through these stories, children all over the country and the world will be inspired to dream big and support each other in overcoming obstacles,” Go said during the book’s launch.

The story follows an astronaut exploring a vast land in search of new species. It takes cancer patients on a cosmic journey filled with limitless possibilities.

The book was illustrated by the cancer patients from Bahay Aruga, a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients. Despite the tragic loss of two contributing artists, Richard and Ralph, before the book’s completion, their artwork remains an integral part of the project.

Go’s Damgo Art Therapy Foundation, which spearheaded the book’s publication, continues to expand, with two more books currently in development and a growing partnership with the International School Manila’s Visual Arts Club.

Go said all proceeds from the book will go to young cancer patients.

She shared that her interest in art began at an early age, encouraged by her parents despite their lack of artistic background.

Her passion took on a new direction after losing three uncles to cancer, while her grandmother and aunt are survivors. These experiences deepened her empathy and motivated her to create the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation.

The foundation began as a school project in 8th grade, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While her classmates tackled issues like poverty and sustainability, Go focused on how art can enhance mental well-being, particularly among teenagers.

“I saw a huge lift in happiness when teenagers were exposed to art,” Go explained. This observation led her to Bahay Aruga, where she introduced art therapy.

Determined to provide more than just financial assistance, Go aimed to make a lasting impact on the patients’ lives through art therapy.

“When I approached Bahay Aruga, I wanted to give something that would have a lasting effect on the patients… art therapy had that effect,” she noted.

The foundation has since become a source of hope for young cancer patients, with art therapy sessions offering transformative experiences.

Go’s story is a powerful reminder that heroism can come from anyone, regardless of age.

Through her creativity and compassion, she is indeed making a lasting impact on the lives of pediatric cancer patients and inspiring others to support this important cause.