September 29, 2026
A parent’s hope and a daughter’s fight
By Thania Florendo
They say it takes a community to raise a child. Likewise, in Tzu Chi, the community believes that recovery is never a journey one fights alone.
Rica was 17 when a simple field trip changed the course of her life. She tripped and fractured her ankle. In 2016, after a series of consultations, doctors diagnosed Rica with Pott’s disease, or tuberculosis of the spine. She underwent treatment, but years later, another devastating diagnosis came. In December 2024, Rica was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an incurable autoimmune disease that damages the nervous system.
The pandemic took a toll on Rica as she went without therapy for two years and eventually became uninterested in her treatment and rehabilitation.
Her mother, Maribel, 61, shared how heartbreaking it was for her to see her youngest daughter lose her mobility—she could no longer stand on her own, walk, or even sit. She also struggled to speak. She was bedridden and needed constant assistance.
“We did everything we could. My husband Ricardo and I resigned from our jobs. I also tried to convince her to get back to therapy, and eventually she agreed, but in a new place and environment, with new doctors,” Maribel said.
Their search eventually led them to acupuncture sessions at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center twice a week. Because of financial struggles, Dr. Regina Talavera, her acupuncturist, later referred Rica to Tzu Chi Foundation’s free clinic.
In March 2025, then 29-year-old Rica started her recovery journey with Tzu Chi, under the care of Dr. Talavera, Dr. Stanley Chua and other volunteer doctors. Through Tzu Chi’s assistance, she also received bilateral ankle-foot orthoses to support and correct the imbalance in her legs.
“Rica liked Tzu Chi. At every appointment, she is excited,” Maribel happily recalled as she sensed a renewed willingness to fight for her daughter.
After more than a year of consistently showing up for her treatments and care, Rica has shown visible changes. Her menstruation became regular again, and her balance has improved. She can now sit, slowly get up from bed, and lift light things on her own. Most importantly, she is happier, in a brighter mood, and more willing to accept help.
The family is positive and hopeful that one day, Rica will be able to walk again. They pray for it and believe in it, but it will take a lot of patience and endurance from Rica, and more sacrifice from the parents. Getting there is actually possible.
“I believe we just need to be patient. She has to feel that she is being cared for and loved. The Lord’s presence makes all things possible,” Maribel said. “We are really hopeful that with the continuous help of Tzu Chi, my child will be able to recover.”
Time, however, is something the couple is increasingly conscious of. Now senior citizens, Maribel and Ricardo know that they cannot take the years ahead for granted. Still, they continue to devote what they have left to their daughter’s healing.
“We wholeheartedly accepted this. I don’t have any regrets,” Maribel said. “My husband and I are happy that we resigned from work. We do this happily for our daughter. The remaining days of our life are devoted to Rica’s healing.”
Tzu Chi’s Free Clinic Services welcome everyone with free medical consultations. To schedule an appointment, please visit https://tzuchi.org.ph/free-clinic
The kindness and encouragement of Tzu Chi staff, volunteers, and doctors have given the Serranos renewed hope throughout Rica’s recovery journey.
Rica Serrano arrives at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus for her scheduled acupuncture treatment on September 16, 2026.
Rica Serrano wears bilateral ankle-foot orthoses that help support her legs and improve her balance.
Ricardo and Maribel Serrano knew that Rica’s recovery would demand patience, sacrifice, and faith, and they willingly gave it their all.
For the Serrano family, Tzu Chi’s support made them feel the care and love of the whole community. “Thank you so much to the whole Tzu Chi community for patiently helping us and loving us, especially CEO Henry Yuñez,” Maribel said.
Maribel and Ricardo are grateful for their two other children, who continue to support the family and help fund Rica’s recovery.
Rica Serrano’s fight for recovery is being supported by her parents, TIMA doctors, and the Tzu Chi volunteers and staff who have stood beside her through some of the most difficult years of her life.
Dr. Stanley Chua leads the opening of Tzu Chi’s Acupuncture Clinic on December 11, 2023. Throughout his years of service, he helped make acupuncture available to patients for its therapeutic benefits.
Dr. Regina Talavera, one of Tzu Chi’s acupuncturists, referred the Serrano family to Tzu Chi, where Rica eventually received continued care and support.