Former World Vision sponsored child is giving far-flung communities access to healthcare
Lesly is a former World Vision sponsored child and is now a licensed pharmacist. Instead of working in a big pharmaceutical company, she and her family worked hard to start a pharmacy business in far-flung areas so residents can access quality medicines and healthcare. Here’s more of her story:
Lesly is a jovial and kind young adult from a rural community that is situated along a scenic river which is renowned for its restaurant cruises.
She is the third child among four siblings. Her older brother, the eldest, manages his own roast chicken business while her older sister is also a registered pharmacist. Her youngest sibling is still in 10th grade.
Lesly’s mother helps in running their family business while her father already passed away five years ago.
The young adult graduated in college with a degree in Pharmacy last 2020. She recently took the board exam in April this year and she is now a registered Pharmacist.
“Ever since, I really wanted to become a medical professional because I want to help other people who are in need of help,” says the 22-year-old Lesly. “That is why I studied to become a pharmacist because I can help people heal from their illness by providing the correct medicine.”
Lesly’s compassion for others is deeply rooted in her childhood. She had a simple life with her family back then. Her father earned by selling fish while her mother stayed at home to take care of them.
There were challenges that her family encountered such as financial limitation especially that their father was the sole breadwinner. Eventually, her mother worked overseas as a domestic helper but it didn’t last long because she was needed more by her growing children.
Lesly, as a World Vision sponsored child, also received educational support such as school supplies and school uniform. The assistance helped lessen the expenses of their family each school year.
“I learned to value other people especially those who need help because it was shown to me through the generosity of my World Vision sponsor. Until now, I bring that compassion especially in my profession,” she shares.
However, the family had to face the biggest trial when the father suffered a heart compilation and eventually passed away. Lesly who was very close to his father grieved hard.
“The death of my father was really painful. It also affected our family because we lost our main source of income. Everyday, we had to find means so we can eat and go to school,” she remembers.
The family was able to endure the hardship especially when Lesly’s older siblings found a job and are already earning.
She also didn’t had a problem with her college expenses because she was also supported by World Vision through its special college scholarship project.
After graduating and passing the board exam, Lesly remembers her purpose of helping other people that is why she and her family put up a pharmacy business in a more secluded town in her province.
“We were able to start the pharmacy store because my older sister who is also a registered pharmacist has already started our first store two years ago and we are able to save and open a second one,” she says.
Lesly is the assigned pharmacist in their second branch. She and her mother runs the business everyday. She reads prescriptions, dispenses drugs, provides patient counseling and does inventory before closing at night.
“My heart flutters every time I help patients receive the right medicine. During patient counseling, I can see in their eyes that they are suffering from their illness and to be able to help them is fulfilling for me,” she shares.
Aside from working as pharmacist in the morning, Lesly also works virtually as a veterinarian assistant. As an animal lover herself, she also finds joy working in a veterinary clinic and help animals heal.
During her success, Lesly remembers her father who is also her inspiration to work hard. “My father was a very hardworking person. I want to dedicate my success to him because he helped me to where I am now. I know that he is proud of where we are right now as a family,” the young woman concludes.
