Boy with muscular dystrophy is carried to school every day by cousins

In a small town in Mindoro Occidental, three boys make their way to school every day — but only two of them can walk.

Thirteen-year old Angelo Pajanel lost strength in his legs at a young age, and the only way he is able to get to school is with the help of his cousins, Bryan and Bernie.

The two heroes take turns carrying him through bumpy roads and the trip takes more than half an hour.

"Bata pa lang ako, sina Bernie na po ang nagbubuhat sakin. Para po makapag-aral din ako. Wala naman po akong naririnig na reklamo kila Bernie at Bryan. Nahihiya po ako kasi araw-araw nila akong binubuhat," Angelo said.

("Since I was a kid, they've carried me so I can study too. I never heard them complain, but I'm ashamed because they carry me every day.")

Angelo and Bryan are in the 8th grade while Bernie is in the 9th grade. They all study at Mangarin National High School.

Given his condition, it's no surprise that some of their schoolmates taunt Angelo.

"Pag sa school daw po ako, may nangungutya po sa akin. Pilay daw po ako, hindi makalakad. Hinahayaan ko na lang, babalik din sa kanila yun," he said.

("There are people in school that taunt me. They say I'm crippled, that I can't walk. I just ignore them, they'll get their due.")

Angelo has been raised by his aunt, Elizabeth, for the past 7 years. His father had walked out on them, while his mother who used to work abroad now own a sari-sari store in a nearby town. Despite having seven children of her own, Elizabeth didn't mind taking him in.

His mom, Selogelyn, is very grateful for the family's help, especially for Bryan and Bernie.

"Nagpapasalamat nga po ako diyan sa dalawa kong pamangkin. Hindi po nagsasawa sa anak ko, tinutulungan po nila," she said.

("I want to say thank you to my two nephews. They haven't gotten tired of my son, they are still helping him.")

Angelo had lived a normal life up until he reached 6 years old. When he reached that age, his legs shrunk and lost strength.

He was taken for a check-up, but because of limited funds, was never able to go back.

Elizabeth said that the doctor was not able to discuss Angelo's condition properly, so they all assumed it was polio. When he reached 9 years old, his legs were already deformed.

The KMJS team took Angelo to a pediatrician, Dr. Myrna Zapanta.

Through her, they found that Angelo's condition was not polio, but muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes loss of muscle mass.

But that's not all — the team also surprised Angelo with a wheelchair.

This would cut down the time it takes for the boys to get to school and lessen the strain on Bryan and Bernie. Elizabeth said they've wanted one for a long time, but could never afford it.

Angelo is determined to repay Elizabeth and his two cousins for everything they've done for him.

He said he dreams of becoming an engineer and eventually starting a family of his own.

"Pangarap ko po maging engineer para tumulong po sa aking Tita Elizabeth at sila Bryan. Gusto ko po silang mabigyan ng magandang buhay po. Pangarap ko po na magkaroon ng pamilya, asawa, at saka mga anak," he said.

("It is my dream to become an engineer so I can help Tita Elizabeth and my cousins. I want to give them a good life. I also dream of having a family, a wife and kids.") — LA, GMA News