What does a typical 12-year old do? The typical answer will be going to school, playing with friends, watching TV, etc. It is very seldom for one to say, doing noble deeds for others. However in 2009, then 12-year old Kyle Baleva did just that

The story of Kyle Baleva, a Filipino kid based in Europe is a proof that the ability to commit heroic acts is not confined with one’s age. Anyone can be a hero whether one is old or young, rich or poor.

What did he do that is so amazing? At a young age of 12, he was able to raise 1,000 Euros for the Filipino orphans. This is in spite the fact that he suffers from Multiple Complex Developmental Disorder, a form of autism.

Kyle and his family are living in Holland but it was not their choice. His father was one of the victims of the 17th Infantry Battalion and they were in Netherlands for exile.

Growing up, he would hear stories from his parents about military abuses such as abduction, sudden disappearances, and torture. The stories made him want to do something for the children that are left behind by their parents because of the said circumstances.

He did this through a walking marathon. His goal is to collect 0.20 euros per kilometer he could walk. Along with his father, he started training for the marathon by walking five kilometers every weekend. Then they gradually increase it to 10, 20 and 30 kilometers a day.

With proper training and great desire to help, Kyle joined the Nijmegen International Four-Day Marches on July 24, 2009. This is the biggest hiking event in the world. His goal is to complete the 30-kilometer-per-day hike

Out of the 40,465 who participated in this event, Kyle is among the 37,106 who were able to make it to the finish line. He finished at 2:30 pm which is more than three hours before the closing time.

Of this, Kyle said, “It wasn't very difficult after all. The training I underwent was much more difficult, much more intensive.”

He said that he did not suffer any blisters or felt serious muscle pains anywhere in his body. For this great achievement, he received a royal decoration of the Vierdaagsekruis and admiration of family and friends. He was also able to raise money for the children being orphaned after one or both parents are killed or kidnapped by suspected Philippine government security forces.

May the story of Kyle Baleva continue to inspire Filipinos in and out of the Philippines to achieve great things.