A missionary doctor from Lithuania who has found a home in Talim Island can attest that family isn’t only based on blood, but can also be the bond one shares within a community.

Dr. Viktorija Cirvinskaite is surprised by residents of Talim Island, whom she considers her family. ABS-CBN

Although a foreigner, Dr. Viktorija Cirvinskaite is considered by residents of Talim Island as their own — to different people, a daughter, a sister, or even a mother.

Cirvinskaite first came to the island in Binangonan, Rizal in 2012, and found that its residents were in need of accessible and readily available treatment. One woman, for instance, was widowed after a long boat trip prevented her husband from getting urgent medical attention.

“I saw a lot of sick people who have no chance of going to a hospital, kasi malayo, mahal. It was something that touched my heart, so I stayed here,” the doctor says.

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For six years now, Cirvinskaite has been welcoming patients whom she now considers family at the San Damiano Clinic. One resident credits for her a second chance at life, while others find peace of mind with her being part of the community.

“Sometimes, they are saying, ‘You give so much for us.’ And I will think, ‘Yes, I’m trying to give something, but I receive 10,000 times more here,’” she says, referring to being considered a family member of Talim Island.

Cirvinsakaite’s missionary work is the third of a series of stories showing “Family is Love” — the theme of this year’s ABS-CBN Christmas station ID, set to premiere on November 18.