When Jairus first arrived at Stairway in October 2022, he came in quietly, his head covered by a hooded sweatshirt despite the heat outside. The hoodie hid the dark marks on his scalp, and he wore long sleeves and pants to cover similar marks on his arms and legs. His clothes became his shield, protecting him from pain and from people staring. He moved slowly and carefully, as if everything around him could hurt.
Joining in daily activities was hard for Jairus. Basketball, running, swimming, and playing on the beach were fun for the other boys, but often too painful for him. While others played barefoot by the water, Jairus sat quietly in the shade, watching the waves.
Although his body struggled, Jairus found new ways to grow. He learned to juggle with patience and skill, made bracelets with steady hands, read for hours, got better at chess, and did well in school.
Things changed when he went to the Philippine General Hospital, where doctors did special tests. For the first time, his condition had a name: IgA pemphigus, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes blisters. Getting a diagnosis brought understanding, relief, and access to treatment he had never had before.
Though he lived in Stairway, far from big hospitals, this did not stop his care. Every week, the Stairway team traveled across the water to make sure he got the help he needed. Volunteers from other countries, including doctors and social workers, used their networks to find treatments and offer support. In this caring and determined environment, Jairus began to heal, both in body and in spirit.
A big milestone came in 2024, when, with help from the Tondo Community Initiative, Jairus was reunited with his family. This was more than just going home; it was another step in his healing, built on reconnection, understanding, and hope for a better future. Even after he returned home, Stairway stayed involved, knowing his medical care would take time. Staff and former volunteers kept supporting him, making sure nothing would stop his progress.
Today, Jairus’ health has improved a lot, and the confidence he once hid under layers of clothing now shows in how he stands, talks, and smiles. He is back in school, studying in Grade 8 in Tondo, Manila, and takes part in daily life with energy and joy.
