THE STARK REALITY:Cancer ranks the 3rd out of the ten leading causes of death annually, and affects all gender and age groups including children. The most common, compromising 47.8% of all childhood cancers is leukemia, which may either be acute or chronic .  Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)is one of the most curable cancers but can progress quickly if untreated.  The good news is that  survival rates are now at an all-time high, with more than 95% of children with ALL attaining remission when treatment protocol is administered regularly.

Treatment may take months or even years, which is usually by a combination of the different modalities of treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).  The cost is definitely a challenge especially for those who do not have the financial means to pay for the treatment ranging from P5,000 – 30,000 a month.Some are able to start the treatment but cannot complete it due to budget constraints.

According to Dr. Jose Antonio S. Quitevis who practices Pediatrics and specializes in Hematology and Oncology from the Department of Pediatric, Cebu Doctors University (CDU) Hospital, children with cancer are increasing everyday.  Patients who achieve complete remission (disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer) within 4 – 5 weeks of starting treatment tend to have a better prognosis than those who take longer, so time is of the essence.  If these children do not get the treatment, they will NOT SURVIVE.

PANGGA-A SAB KO:Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (KKMK) has a project called  “Pangga-a Sab Ko”that supports 30 children (aged 0-17) with cancer in a year with about  20- 30 children more on the waitlist. As much as they would want to cater to all, their funds and their capacity limits them. The children put on the waitlist are referred to radio stations and newspapers to do “panawagan”.

SOME RAY OF HOPE:It is for this very reason that the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund (DACF)of theRamon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) and KKMKjoined hands once againthrough a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed last August 31, 2017 to give these disadvantaged children access to treatment so that they may get a new chance at life. This renewed partnership will be funding 35 children over and above the usual 30 children capacity, increasing the beneficiaries to 65.  In its previous partnership (2010 – 2016), 31 children are now CANCER-FREE while 7 are currently undergoing chemotherapy.These children are now in school living normal lives. As per KMKK records, many of them are even consistent honor students in their respective schools.

URGENT CALL FOR HELP:The reality is that there are still more children who are in dire need of treatment.  Further heeding the call of urgency, President and Chair of the RAFI, Jon Ramon Aboitiz, is targeting to raise an additional P6 million more (on top of the initial grant indicated in the MOA) to cater  to the 20-30 children who are on the waitlist, P3 Million of which will be coming from him and his family.  The goal now is to raise the other 3 Million pesos.  This is our call.

Today , children with cancer are increasing everyday. If these children do not get the necessary treatment, they will NOT SURVIVE. 

Treatment Package

The “Pangga-a sab Ko” Project provides treatment for children afflicted with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), broken down as follows:

• Medical
• Daily and Monthly Medications – These must be taken/complied by patients religiously
• Treatment Procedures
• Intrathecal Treatment
• Laboratories & Diagnostic Procedures
• Periodic bone marrow tests, Complete Blood Count (CBC), and other diagnostic procedures deemed necessary.

The project also conducts at least two (2) psychosocial activities for their patient beneficiaries yearly, during birthdays and christmas celebrations.  These include therapeutic games which help reduce symptoms of psychological stress,  distress, posttraumatic stress and anxiety and help the children and their families live normal lives again.

How you can help

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) believes a world without childhood cancer is possible .  Today, with your help, more children will be successfully treated. Be a LifeSaver.

Help us bring joy to children.

If you have any inquiries on how to help, please send us a message or you can contact us through our office or social media pages.