Growing up in the philippines, I know how hard life can be. I came from the slum and the struggle that a third world country brings. I can remember walking to school barefoot in the mud while it rains. I remember the only shoe i had was an old worn down with sole coming off, where you can see my little toes peeking. Nontheless i was happy to have a shoe, and it was only worn on special occassion, like graduations, and special events. I remember as a young kid playing outside and stepping on a rusty nail and injuring my feet. I was lucky enough not to get Tetanus.

Tetanus, is a serious but preventable disease that affects the body's muscles and nerves. It typically arises from a skin wound that becomes contaminated by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil. Once the bacteria are in the body, they produce a neurotoxin (a protein that acts as a poison to the body's nervous system) known as tetanospasmin that causes muscle spasms. The toxin can travel throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymph system. As it circulates more widely, the toxin interferes with the normal activity of nerves throughout the body, leading to generalized muscle spasms. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal. Another form of tetanus, neonatal tetanus, occurs in newborns who are delivered in unsanitary conditions, especially if the umbilical cord stump becomes contaminated. Prior to immunizations, neonatal tetanus was much more common in the United States. Now, routine immunizations for tetanus produce antibodies that mothers pass to their unborn babies. These maternal antibodies and sanitary cord-care techniques have made newborn tetanus very rare in developed countries. In fact, tetanus in general is rare in the United States and other nations with tetanus vaccination programs — fewer than 50 cases of tetanus are reported each year in the United States. However, many developing countries have less effective prevention and immunization programs against tetanus, so the disease is much more common there.

A Pair For Care program will help the kids in the Philippines to battle the tetanus and just to be able to get shoes who cannot afford a footwear, to battle the elements and bring joy to the kids. Its been my life long dream for me to give back to my roots, and to help the less fortunate. I hope everyone can help this cause.

Michael Thomas Dalupo

If youre interested in helping the cause or make a donation you can contact us at:

michaelthomas@kyrapparel.com

You can donate a used or new kids shoes by sending them to

1421 Sierra Creek Way