On December 5, 2024, Hovid’s mission of delivering compassionate healthcare found a new path—one that led not just to patients but to the quiet hallways of Josepheim Foundation, a home for the elderly. What began as a simple outreach under the Hovid Cares initiative turned into a stirring encounter with stories that will linger in the hearts of those who were there.

The home, though peaceful and neat, carried with it an air of quiet solitude—a place where time slows down and memories gently echo. Among the many elderlies we met, two stories stood out.

One “Lola” shared with calm resignation how she ended up in the facility. “Wala nang nag-aalaga sa akin. May kanya-kanyang pamilya na ang mga anak ko,” she said softly. Her voice, though void of anger, carried a weight of silent longing. She shared that she is occasionally visited— “kapag naalala”—by her children. That reality struck us deeply. It reminded us that beyond providing medicine, it is also our mission to champion connection, care, and dignity.

Another Lola radiated a different kind of strength—one rooted in accomplishment. She had once been an international track and field athlete, representing the Philippines with pride. Petite, mestiza, and graceful even in age, she wore a smile that masked decades of solitude. She never married and, as an only child whose life was devoted to sport, she found herself alone as the years passed. She spoke with acceptance, even peace. And yet, as I embraced her after she shared her story, the sadness was undeniable.

These conversations became more than anecdotes; they became mirrors—showing us what it truly means to care. They reminded the Hovid team that healthcare isn’t just about curing illness. It’s about acknowledging people’s worth at every stage of life, especially when the world seems to have forgotten them.

Through Hovid Cares, our advocacy of touching lives has grown deeper. Our commitment to healthcare professionals remains steadfast, but with a renewed call—that our partnership doesn’t end within the four walls of a clinic. It must extend to the unseen corners of our society, where impact is most needed and most meaningful.

By listening to the stories of our elderlies, we didn’t just serve—we learned. We didn’t just give—we received something greater: perspective, compassion, and a renewed sense of humanity.