Young Hearts and Heroes: Meet the teenager who created a children’s storybook with pediatric cancer patients from Bahay Aruga

As the country gets ready to celebrate National Heroes Day on August 26 (yes a long weekend is here again) we meet a new set of heroes. 

As Arizona Robbins from Grey’s Anatomy said, not all heroes wear capes. Some happen to be tiny humans. Now, another teenager and her friends set out to create a lasting impact in the Philippine arts and culture space by publishing the first book of the ongoing children’s book series, The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands.

At just 16 years old, Jacqueline Dominique “Nikki” Go is already creating heroic contributions to art and pediatric cancer communities. 

As the founder of the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation and the author of The Adventures of Damgo, Nikki’s journey starts with the love for family and art.

Nikki’s artistic interests began in early childhood, nurtured by supportive parents who, despite not being artists themselves, recognized and cultivated their daughter’s creative talents. "I’ve always felt happiest when I get lost creating art," Nikki shares. 

This passion for art, however, was juxtaposed against a backdrop of loss and heartache as cancer took the lives of several close family members. "Cancer is hereditary, and I have it on both sides of my family. I’ve lost 3 uncles to cancer, and my grandma and aunt are survivors," Nikki recounts. 

These experiences naturally fueled her curiosity and empathy toward cancer patients and survivors, eventually leading her to establish the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation.

Like most youth-led initiatives, the foundation originated from Nikki’s 8th-grade school project aimed at contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

While her peers focused on themes like poverty and sustainability, Nikki chose to explore the impact of art on mental well-being, particularly among teenagers. "I saw a huge lift in happiness when teenagers were exposed to art." Nikki explains. This discovery ignited a deeper inquiry into the beneficiaries of art therapy, ultimately guiding her to Bahay Aruga, a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients.

"When I approached Bahay Aruga, I wanted to offer something more valuable than monetary donations. Something that would have a lasting positive effect on the patients… art therapy had that effect," says Nikki. 

The Damgo Art Therapy Foundation was born out of this desire, and it quickly became hope for young cancer patients. Through art therapy sessions, Nikki witnessed firsthand the transformative power of creativity. "One of my students said that she 'couldn’t believe she is able to paint the things she’s done.' She told me how she looked forward  to our art therapy sessions, and she carries this feeling when she goes for treatment."

Inspired by the children’s resilience and imagination, Nikki penned The Adventures of Damgo, a series that takes cancer patients on a cosmic journey filled with limitless possibilities. "I hope that through these stories, children all over the country and the world become inspired to dream big and help each other overcome any obstacle," Nikki says. “Damgo, in Cebuano, also means dream.”

The book’s impact has been profound, forging deep connections between the young artists and the community that supports them. Tragically, two of the contributing artists, Richard and Ralph, passed away before the book’s completion. Yet, their legacy lives on through their artwork and the positive influence the project had on their lives. 

"Remembering the moments with Richard, he remarked how he loves the art therapy sessions because it takes his mind off the pain, even for a few hours,'" Nikki reflects. “Meanwhile, Ralph was that one student who didn’t miss a single week’s lesson. He loved the art therapy sessions! He told me that he loved to paint Damgo’s adventures because it makes him imagine that he too, can one day go outside the country and see unbelievable sights.”

Publishing the first book is just the start of Nikki’s big plans for the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation. With two more books in development and a growing partnership with the International School Manila’s Visual Arts Club, the foundation is poised to continue its mission of providing joy and comfort to pediatric cancer patients. 

"In the future, I hope to see more innovation in the art therapy execution, and more adventures of Damgo," Nikki says. “Excited for book 2!”