Bringing Smiles to Manila’s Pediatric Patients
Today, our founder Esabelle visited a hospital in Manila, Philippines, to bring stuffed animals, toys, and books for kids in the pediatric unit. Many families in the Philippines face the challenges of diabetes, and TT12’s mission to support children living with it and those impacted by related health issues, continues to grow across borders.
GLOBAL OUTREACH
6/21/20251 min read
On June 20, 2025, TT12’s founder Esabelle Palafox visited Adventist Medical Center Manila in Manila, Philippines, bringing along stuffed animals, toys, and books for the children in the pediatric unit.
While the visit wasn’t focused solely on children with diabetes, it reflected TT12’s purpose to support young patients and families who are affected by diabetes and other health challenges. In the Philippines, around 4 million people live with diabetes, and rates continue to rise among both adults and youth. Many families in the area face barriers to treatment and education, making community care and compassion more important than ever.
Why This Visit Mattered
At Teens for Type 1 & 2, our mission is to empower children living with diabetes through education, community, and compassion. Esabelle’s visit to Manila was a way to extend that mission internationally, bringing comfort and connection to children who may not have access to the same resources as those in the U.S.
“Even outside the U.S., a child’s need for comfort and care is still the same,” Esabelle shared. “It was so meaningful to bring a bit of joy to the kids in Manila, especially knowing how many families there are impacted by diabetes.”
Made Possible by Our Community
Every toy, book, and stuffed animal brought to the pediatric unit came from the generosity of our local community in California. Your donations helped us share hope with children thousands of miles away to remind them that they’re not alone in their journey.
These acts of kindness may seem small, but together, they create connection that mean the world, especially for kids facing health challenges.
Looking Ahead
This outreach marks an exciting step for TT12. While our work began in California, our commitment to supporting children affected by diabetes is growing globally. We hope to continue partnering with hospitals and local communities to provide comfort, awareness, and care where it’s needed most.
If you’d like to help us expand our outreach, visit our Donate page, GoFundMe, or learn how you can get involved here.
