Last August, Rita Gaviola—popularly known as “Badjao Girl”—opened up about a mass that had been discovered in her breast. Though it was not initially diagnosed as cancerous, the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate admits that it felt tender and uncomfortable.
“Masakit siya lalo na 'pag natatamaan siya tapos parang kahit hawak lang, masakit po," she revealed in one of Karen Davila’s vlogs. “Kailangan kong tiisin na hindi ako nakakapagpa-check-up kasi imbis na i-check-up ako, ibigay ko na lang sa parents ko, pambili nila ng pagkain. Okay lang na ako ang mahirapan, ‘wag lang sila."
Instagram/iamkarendavila
In a follow-up vlog published just this month, Karen helped Rita undergo a series of tests to clarify her medical condition with the guidance of obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Jenny Jose. The 19-year-old found out that she didn’t have an enlarged mass or cyst, and that she’s in perfectly good health.
"Masaya ako kasi nalaman ko 'yung result, hindi na ako magwo-worry para mas matutukan ko 'yung baby ko,” she shares. “Dahil po sa iyo 'yun ma'am Karen na nakapagpa-check-up ako, sobrang thank you po ma'am lalo na sa mga naitulong niyo po sa akin.”
Instagram/iamkarendavila
However, the good news didn't stop there! Karen also surprised the new mom with P50,000 worth of baby products from a local mall, helping Rita and her partner provide a better life for their beautiful baby girl.
Karen ended the vlog with an inspiring message. “If there is one thing na I love about the story of Rita, dati po siyang namamalimos sa kalye and ito na ngayon, may sariling pamilya, kumikita ng pera, may pag-asa.”
Instagram/itsritagaviola
Rita Gaviola was dubbed “Badjao Girl” when she was spotted on the streets of Lucban, Quezon during their Pahiyas Festival in 2016. Her photo went viral online, landing her a spot in the reality show Pinoy Big Brother Season 7. In August this year, the 19-year-old revealed that she gave birth to a baby girl.
*This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Female Network editors.
