Testimonials

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The following are statements from parents of the children and friends of A Child’s DREAM.

“God gives you success for you have become also a blessing to others…”–Leslie Macagba

“MABUHAY ANG CHILD’s D.R.E.A.M. FOUNDATION!!!KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK..”–Sonn Fernandez

“I’m so glad that there is a center in Baguio,who help those children who has a special need here in northern luzon.I had a son who is 4 year old who was diagnosed with GDD.–Marites Barcena

“Congratulations! Keep up the Good Work. The Country needs humanitarians like YOU GUYS!!!”–Rory Aguinaldo

“I am one with you. God bless all the people behind this advocacy. Move on.”–Arlene Carmela M. Salomon

Hi, we are from Australia and we were at A Child’s DREAM for 3 months. My son is 11 yrs old and has autism, medium to high functioning and before we went to A Child’s DREAM back in May 2010, Mitchell can only write the word ‘Mitchell’. After 3 months in A Child’s DREAM, he can write up to 25 words. Not only can he write words, he can also communicate at a higher level. His fine motor skills have increased ten fold with the help of the Occupational Therapist. Before the therapy, Mitchell could not grasp the pencil correctly as instructed and could only scribble. After the therapy, he can copy and write letters in a more defined manner. His work, play skills and behaviour are 70% better than before the therapy. His sensory integration skills have improved and are more generally focused and more organized. His receptive communication skills have improved tremendously and Mitchell can carry out tasks in 3-4 steps. He is more patient and shows improved attention to tasks. The Speech Therapist has also given us a home program that we can follow through with tips and techniques included. In summary to what I have just said, what A Child’s DREAM has done in 2 to 3 months, is unquestionable and unbeatable to the extent of what Mitchell has done in 8 years of  rigorous, biomedical and special educational training. Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta and his staff have provided the best care possible for Mitchell and I thank them for providing the extra support needed to move heaven and earth for Mitchell. We certainly will be back  for more. See you soon. –Karim  Pacis

“Dr. Dimalanta is the rare breed of medical professional who not only possesses great skill and expertise in his field of developmental pediatrics, but also the empathy and understanding that is so much appreciated by parents seeking consultation for their children. Thank you Dr. Dimalanta for all your help to us!” –Edwin Hawson

“It was quite difficult trying to find a Developmental Pediatrician while stationed in Baguio City, Philippines. Luckily enough, by word of mouth, and other doctor recommendations, I heard about this intelligent, highly admired for his work, doctor by the name of Francis Dimalanta. It took some time for us to get seen by him because of his busy schedule, but HE IS SO WORTH WAITING FOR! My family was devastated about my son being diagnosed with Autism, but having found Dr. Dimalanta, I knew we’d be taken care of! We had to leave the country, but for sure will hunt down Dr. Dimalanta if we’d ever come back to reside in the Philippines. If you want quality care for your “special” ones, he definitely is a must doctor for continuous growth that our children will need. He’s updated and will guide you along the way throughout your child’s growth and for their success!” –Maria Leah Juan

Dr D as what I fondly call him. I love this person. He is tremendously helpful to me and my little boy. A doctor who is obviously passionate about special kids and dedicated to finding and making ways to improve his patients’ condition at least a step further. He moulds a better family because of his willingness to reach out specially to the parents and caregivers who should understand and develop sincere patience for the sake of the children. He has a big heart , that is in spite of his busy schedule, still he tries to manage his time to accommodate as many kids or those who need his help most, as much as he can. More than being hard-working, he is also very witty (never a dull moment) , smart and most of all charming..wow!!!. I never missed a chance to always recommend him and commend him more to friends and other parents who I meet who also acknowledge special children. Kudos to Dr D..!!!!” –Ria Silverio

“I had the opportunity to wrok with Dr. Francis Dimalanta when he was the Medical Director of Philippine Cerebral Palsy Inc. (PCPI) and I was a member of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Dimalanta is a generous and compassionate medical director who donated his time and expertise without compensation to the many clients of PCPI. He was instrumental to the continuous treatment and rehabilitation of the PCPI indigent clients.” –Maria Teresita Filipinia

“Dr. D is the best in his field! People oriented !” –Rosemarie Rafael

“Through the last last near 10 years, Francis has ably guided me and my husband in obtaining the optimum educational, therapy and medical support for Ina, our daughter with Down Syndrome, who is now 16 years old. His periodic evaluation of Ina runs smoothly since our daughter is comfortable with him. He easily puts my daughter at ease through conversation and play, that Ina is unaware that Francis is already conducting tests on her.” –Maricar Rosal

“Francis is a great developmental pediatrician with a HUGE heart. He is able to balance his practice and his outreach activities quite well. He is very knowledgeable in the latest on developmental pediatrics and he always keeps his patients’ well being first.” –Jen Tan

“Dr. Francis Dimalanta has been my son’s Development Pediatrician since 2006. Everytime we see him, which is about once every six months, he always has ideas on how to deal with my son’s special condition, whether it relates directly to his special condition, such as therapies, or to his general wellness, such as nutritional counselling. He is nurturing, and has made himself available everytime we need him, a character which is sadly lacking in some doctors. Although my son was diagnosed to have CP and autism around 2001, and we worked with another Development Pediatrician before who is quite well-known in the field, we found Dr. Dimalanta to be better in all respects. For Dr. Francis Dimalanta, a general feeling of importance and priority is engendered with the way he deals with his patients as well as with the relatives of his patients.” –Maria Vivian Banayad

I have been reading Dr. Dimalanta’s articles and works and I have learned a lot from him. When I personally met him a year ago in a Conference for Early Childhood Educators, I was amazed at how jolly and approachable he is! I can sense that he has that innate capability of connecting with children. Indeed, Dr. Dimalanta has so much to offer especially in the field of working with young children!” –Inah Cano

“Dr Francis Dimalanta is the reason why our Special Child with Down Syndrome is integrating well in my family and, pretty soon, to society. His engaging personality is very inclusive of all family members, relatives, and friends as to the roles each person plays in the development of our child / children. He puts into specific perspective as to why the cliché “It takes a village to raise a child” a true testament to child rearing. ??Further, Dr. Dimalanta’s extensive medical knowledge on the subject — coupled with his intense passion to raise awareness for it — embodies a holistic approach both to his science and profession. ?? Dr Francis Dimalanta is not a Miracle Worker. ?? He is the Miracle.” –Norwin Mark Castro

“Francis has extensive knowledge on gifted children, and has both chaired and helped organize national conferences on such. He has a vast network of resource persons in this peculiar field. His deep understanding of the behavior and idiosyncrasies of gifted children make him unique in his chosen practice.” –Debbie Nakpil-Rodrigo

Hi, Doc Francis. This is Miggy Cuevas’ mom. Your Child’s Dream Foundation played a very special part in Miggy’s very big improvement. Thank you very much. My sincerest gratitude to you, doc. Without the good foundation you gave Miggy, it would not have been possible. — Yolette Cuevas

I have yet to meet a doctor who gives so much of himself to his patients (and their neurotic parents). He has such a generous and loving heart that he is a magnet to children and adults everywhere. He was able to take us out of a place of worry and fear by empowering us with the tools we need to handle our exceptional child. Our deepest thanks to Dr. D, for whom thanks is usually enough reward :) – Trina Ycasiano Ponce

The best of the best he is …
Yet he never miss …
To show his compassion …
To the parents who are hurting more than their patients …
Diagnosis? very careful he is…
And he never forgets God in his prognosis
Will scold you when is needed
And hugs you when your hopeless
Wish him more time to live
For so many Children … need Doctor D.
He is one the most wonderful doctor
Our country can be proud to be
Long live Doctor D. !!!

An expression of gratitude from us….

The Koonings

My child was always tagged as disruptive in class, a daydreamer, dyslexic, slow learner, suicidal even (judged by what he drew in art class). I had him tested by several professional psychology labs and reading and comprehension centers but all seemed to give me the same answer. He was normal, had a very high IQ but was just suffering from middle-child syndrome. And then we finally met Doc D in a CISV camp, and he diagnosed my child with ADHD. Our world changed for the better after this. And my child’s attitude towards authority and his self confidence grew by leaps and bounds. Thank you Doc D!!! –T. F.G.

I didn’t know that Baguio had a developmental & behavioral pediatrician in December 2006, as I had just arrived from Manila to settle in  Baguio City. At the Picarre restaurant in Session road, it was Brent International School’s Liz Cartwright who introduced me to Dr. Francis Dimalanta (the 12th Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician in the country, the first from Baguio City). I found out that Dr. Dimalanta goes up to Baguio once a month to do initial evaluations and follow-ups at A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. Dr. Dimalanta recommended occupational therapy, after that it was speech therapy. After almost 2 years of therapy at A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. my son Miguel who was diagnosed with autism has good eye contact now, he can express his needs, does not cry always, and has less stymying behavior. He greets hello, says goodbye and can read already. He is now being mainstreamed and has a shadow teacher.  Dr. Dimalanta invites ABA experts like Teacher Bunny Joaquin to prepare Home SPED programs for those who are ready for it. We visit Dr. Dimalanta regularly to have him assess my son’s progress as Dr. Dimalanta is the one who advises if therapy sessions should be increased or reduced. – Marje PB

I come from Philex Mines and my son Allen was first diagnosed by Dr. Francis Dimalanta in 2003. My son was paralyzed and he had seizures. Dr. Dimalanta recommended therapists who were very patient with Allen. Prior to going to A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. I used to bring Allen to other hospitals and clinics but in the other places, the therapists were more used to adult patients and had no patience with children. When I learned from Dr. Dimalanta that he sends his therapists for training in pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy in Manila for a month or at least two weeks prior to their handling patients in  Baguio, I was so happy to bring Allen to ACDF. I continue  to bring Allen to A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. which is very accessible (by any public transport) at Upper Session Road.

My son can now walk, lie down, sleep. He communicates using actions, he tells me when he is thirsty. He can identify his favorite toys. – Marites A.

I am from Irisan. I heard that A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. has structured therapy for children. I brought my 8 year old son Ramzel here. Ramzel now knows his shapes and letters, and can sight read. From no eye contact, Ramzel now responds to name calling. Ramzel follows authority and is obedient to his therapists at ACDF. Ramzel can use the mobile phone to call his dad and he can text the names of his medicines. — Noemi M.

We are from Nueva Ecija. My husband & I used to bring our daughter to Dr. Francis Dimalanta at his clinic at St. Luke’s Medical Center Medical Arts Bldg Suite 208, but when we found out that Dr. Dimalanta goes to A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. in Baguio, we decided to bring our daughter to Baguio for check up and for therapy. The toll is cheaper from Nueva Ecija to Baguio as compared to toll charges from N.E. to Manila. — Carmela G.

I bring my son to A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. for therapy twice a week, after Dr. Francis Dimalanta diagnosed him with cerebral palsy in 2009. Coming from Abra every weekend, I was so touched that Dr. Dimalanta’s ACDF Administrative Assistant Juliet offered her home for me and my son one Friday evening when we did not have a place to stay. With her kind gesture, we were able to continue our Saturday morning therapy the next day. — Susan B.

My son JT was almost failing in class due to his inattentiveness. Dr. Dimalanta diagnosed him and recommended medication and therapy, JT  had improved a lot. JT is now outstanding in school. I bring JT to Dr. Francis Dimalanta every quarter so Dr. can assess his progress. – Maria Christina S.T.

My pediatrician recommended that I bring my daughter Misha to Dr. Francis Dimalanta at A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Inc. After Doctor’s diagnosis of communication language disorder and recommended therapy, my daughter has improved much. I have enrolled her in a SPED school and she is doing well. — Misha’s mom

My daughter Megan is visually impaired and was diagnosed with autism. Through the years, I bring her continuously to Dr. Francis Dimalanta for evaluation and for therapy and she has improved much, even if the therapists who used to handle her have gone abroad. Dr. Dimalanta chooses and trains the best therapists for children. — Megan’s mom

Noong July 2005, hyperactive ang anak kong si MJ. Nakita siya ni Doc Francis – nag-schedule siya ng OT twice a week hanggang naging once a week. After 3 months nag-improve na siya ng behavior niya – hindi niya na ako ginagaya magsalita. Dati kung ano ang sinasabi ko, iyon din ang sinasabi niya. Unti-unti na niya hindi ginaya ang salita ko. Pagtinanong siya,nasasagot niya na ang pangalan niya, saan si mama mo, saan siya nakatira, pangalanng tita o tito niya, ading niya, alam niya na.  Anong ginawa mo, saan ka nagpunta, nakakasagot na siya ng tama. Dati dead ma lang.Nirekomenda ni Dr. Francis na painumin ko siya ng Cod liver oil. Ngayon, dahil sa regular OT niya at pag-inom niya ng oil, nakafocus na siya sa lecture niya, nakaupo siya ng matagal, nakakabasa siya ng maikling kwento na Tagalog. Kaya tuloy tuloy ako mag-oil at mag-therapy sa DREAM. -Alma M.

25 March 2009

Dear Doc,
I am Arvin’s mom, one of your patient/student at DREAM Foundation.  Arvin is turning thirteen on June this year, although he is autistic, he is physically normal and is healthy.  I would just like to express my gratitude to you and teacher Julius of DREAM, because without you wonderful people, Arvin would have not become a better individual that he is now.  Being able to read, write, relate with people and be able to everyday cope with “normal” life is difficult for Arvin and us, his family, but with your DREAM team, we are coping. I pray for your success in all your future projects for the improvement of our children with special needs, you are truly heaven sent.

God bless and more power

Sandra N. Almag

Mother

Doctor Dimalanta,

Mother po ako ni Jean A. J. dito sa La Union. Thanks po sa inyo kasi nag-improve po ang anak ko. Nasa top 5 po siya ngayon sa school nila. Thanks po sa inyo. Mother ni Jean A. J.

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