Children with cancer take a break from chemo

To help relieve pain from chemotherapy, the Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation conducted a psychosocial activity for the beneficiaries of its “Pangga-a sab ko” program composed of children with cancer.

With the theme “A day away from chemotherapy,” the first bi-annual activity held last month at SM City Cebu was attended by 64 beneficiaries from the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Samar and Zamboanga del Sur.

The morning session was a play therapy facilitated by volunteer teachers and psychologists from Family Adolescents Children Educational Therapeutic Center Inc. (FACET).

The beneficiaries, accompanied by their parents, participated in learning activities and therapeutic sessions prepared by the volunteers.

The afternoon session was a health talk on nutritional management during cancer treatment facilitated by Evangeline Geraldez, chief dietitian of Adventist Hospital Cebu.

After the talk, the birthday celebrants for the months of January to June were recognized. They were given gifts, while their fellow patients serenaded them with a happy birthday song.

The whole-day event was sponsored by the Sacred Heart School–Hijas de Jesus Alumnae Association, Sacred Heart School–Hijas de Jesus Foundation Inc. and Ho Tong Hardware.

“Pangga-a Sab Ko” is a medical and psychosocial assistance program of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation Inc. – Cebu for children stricken with leukemia, a cancer of the blood that is curable when proper treatment is administered.

At present, Kapwa has 81 beneficiaries, of whom 45 are survivors and 36 are still undergoing chemotherapy.