Survivors’ Day Celebration
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
Surviving Cancer
Today we are celebrating our 4th Survivors’ Day. The list holds about 200 children who have survived cancer. Some are cured, some are waiting, hoping for a cure. It all started 4 years ago, when an inspired thought of bringing in all children who fought and won the battle against cancer, brings them back to where their fight against cancer first began- at Southern Philippines Medical Center. Some will make the journey of tens or hundreds of kilometers, others will not. You see, we might have cured cancer, but we have not found the cure for poverty. Many of these children will not have the resources to make the trip; but I am sure they and their family are one with us in celebrating another year and another milestone in a second life.
The aim of Survivors Day is to bring back testaments of hope to children currently being treated for cancer. Nobody can give a more convincing story than someone who has actually fought the fight and won. Over the years, from a straggly group of about 35 children and their parents, the numbers have grown to a big giant party of HOPE. This event is also a meeting of all the people who have contributed their time, talents and treasure in making sure that these children get their best chances to life. Nothing is more fulfilling than the joy of seeing a child survive cancer.
The House of Hope Legacy
In August 2007, RC Waling Waling Davao sponsored the renovation of an old dorm at then Davao Medical Center. This infrastructure became House of Hope (HOH), a transient home for children with cancer. It has become not only a home but a symbol of Hope for many children diagnosed with cancer all over Mindanao. The success of HoH is evident in the fact that since then two other similar facilities were patterned after HoH- the first was in Central Park, Bangkal and today, Margarita Village Hope will be inaugurated. Fr PonPon Vasquez initiated the renovation of Hope Bangkal. The home belongs to a donor who prefers to be anonymous. It began to accept patients from far flung areas in Mindanao seeking treatment at Southern Philippines Medical Center in December 2010. It was used by child cancer patients in May 2011 when SPMC House of Hope underwent refurbishing; and currently two patients from the Unit are under its care. Margarita Village Hope is another transient home for adolescent patients who do not require frequent visits to the hospital since this transient home is located at Margarita Village, a short walk/ride from SPMC. It was renovated by another generous donor who might also want to remain anonymous.
Indeed, House of Hope has become not only a structure but also a symbol of faith in God who provides the needs of these children by touching the hearts of many generous souls.
Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo, MD, DPPS, FPSPO
Pediatrics – Oncology
Medical Director,St Jude Partner Site
Davao City, PHIL
Pediatrics – Oncology
Medical Director,St Jude Partner Site
Davao City, PHIL
