Aedan Pio was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer, at 4 years old. At a very young age, he had to undergo surgery multiple times to get better but the cancer would return despite the surgeries and chemotherapy. One other option was proton beam therapy but the technology doesn’t exist in the Philippines, having their family decide to try another country that does have the technology. However, because of the pandemic, they’re forced to wait things out.
But Pio hasn’t lost hope. In order to express himself, he creates original paintings and says that with art “there’s nothing right, there’s nothing wrong, just what you think, what you feel.” According to Pio, “people can interpret it in different ways” and that’s why he loves art.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDaNA12nXxh/
When asked about why he loves to help out other hospitals, he talked about how when he was first diagnosed, all these strangers came to help him in his time of need. “Kasi dati noong na-diagnose ako, andami kong complications, di ako makagalaw masyado—basta madami. Madaming tumutulong sa akin, pati strangers—even now!” He says. “Iniisip ko rin kasi paano ako magpapayback sa kanila? So lahat ng tulong nila sa’kin, anong ibabayad ko? Naisip ko na gamitin ko ang talent ko sa art para doon, para makatulong.”
We’re so inspired! Thank you for what you do, Pio. We support you and your art. You are a gift to all of us.
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