Teejay Cruz was given a posthumous award by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his efforts in granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses.
His mother, Lynn Ynchausti, shared today, Dec. 11, that she and husband Tirso Cruz III received the award on their late son’s behalf on Sunday, Dec. 9.
The award is a star-shaped glass plaque, which states he is being recognized “for your outstanding contribution in founding Spike For Hope.”
Teejay had a soft spot for sick children, especially those with cancer. He founded Spike for Hope, a volleyball tournament which raised funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. According to Ynchausti, his work collected nearly P400,000 to grant over 60 wishes.
Image: Instagram/@lynncruz525
Recipients of the award are seen as a “star” or a model to be emulated by other volunteers.
“The Star Award is also given to a volunteer who dedicated his/her life in helping the foundation grant more wishes of children with critical illnesses in spite of his/her medical challenges,” said Ynchausti.
She said, too, that despite being confined since May 2018, Teejay was still looking out for the kids he could help and was still making plans for Spike for Hope.
“Few days before he passed, I saw him staring at the window looking at the sky and I asked him what he was thinking. He answered me ‘Malapit na ang Pasko Ma, paano na ang mga bata (Christmas is coming, Ma, how about the kids?’”
“I told him, ‘Pagaling ka muna and then ayusin mo nalang pag malakas ka na (Recover first and then organize it when you’re strong again).’”
“His heart to help and make the children happy is so admirable. He was so full of compassion for them,” the proud mom gushed. “So proud of you Teej! Congratulations my son! I love and miss you!”
Teejay passed away at 37 years old last Nov. 21 due to lymphatic cancer. He is survived by his parents and two siblings. /ra
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