More children need of care

The birth, growth and early development of Alexander John “Sander” Hitalia, 6, were normal. He is a Kinder 2 student at Pandac Elementary School and is in the top 5 of his class. He is playful and friendly.

In April 2006, he suffered joint paints, on and off fever, loss of appetite, paleness and weight loss. In July 2006, he was diagnosed with Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Chemotherapy was required. His parents raised money from 5/6 loans and P10,000 from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office but that money has been depleted.


Rommel Jad Kale Oliveros Deopita or “RK”, 3, of Dumangas, developed an on and off fever last September 2008. He was later on diagnosed with ALL.


ALL is a type of cancer with symptoms of aches in arms, legs and back, black and blue marks for no apparent reason, enlarged lymph nodes, fever without obvious cause, headaches, pale-looking skin, pinhead-sized red spots under the skin, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, shortness of breath during physical activity, tiredness and vomiting.


RK is presently living with his grandparents, his mother Melanie's parents. His lolo is unemployed and his lola earns from doing laundry, and she takes care of RK. Melanie, on the other hand, is the breadwinner of her family and helps put her youngest sister to school. She is worried that being a contractual worker, she'll be out of work soon.


The chemotherapy of both children are now being supported by the Mga Kaibigan ng Mga Kabataang May Kanser (KKK).


During an interview with our president, Dr. Socorro Martinez last December, RK was quiet and shy but definitely happy with the toy gifts she brought for him. “He never spoke and only once did he give a slight smile. He kissed me though and gave me a hug when it was time to say goodbye.”
KKK continuously relies on fund raising activities and donations in order to pay for the children's chemotherapy sessions. Its past activities are a ballet concert, play, musical and dance concert and a fashion show where those involved volunteered their talents in order to raise funds for the children.

Children are God's gifts that we need to care for in all aspects. Apart from teaching them good values of love and respect for family and other people, we are also responsible for their physical well-being. I believe it is not just the parents' sole obligation to care for every child that needs help. There is a call for the public's help, too.


as posted in the News Today, dated 2009

KKK Christmas Party 2010

KKK Recipient: KYLE and his FINAL WISHES

by Socorro Martinez

 

I just came back from a surprise home visit to one of KKK’s recipient Kyle, a 6yr old boy, suffering from ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). He has been under KKK’s care since May 2010 and Kyle’s condition has been spiraling from bad to worse since his relapse a month ago. His caretakers (his grandparents) decided to stop their treatments and have accepted that his chances are very poor, and that he will be dying soon. They would have chosen to have kept fighting, if not for Kyle’s request that he just stay at home because he was already very very “tired”.

Another member of KKK who was supposed to come with us today, at the last minute backed-out because she felt too depressed to make another visit (she had visited Kyle a week before and still has not recovered from seeing Kyle in pain). I and Dr. Ramirez (KKK VP) still decided to go and it was not too hard finding their house in Barrio Obrero. Following the instructions of my friend on how to find Kyle’s house, I walked to a house to ask if they knew exactly where it is. As i entered the pathway to the house, I heard a familiar boy’s voice calling “Dr. Martinez!!! Sya na! Dr. Martinez!”. And I knew it was Kyle.

It was so touching how Kyle was so excited to see me unexpectedly, that he told his aunt he was going to try and walk to greet me (though he has been on his bed/sofa and has not been walking for days). Seeing him, I wanted to cry, but could not. He hugged me and I kissed him. I was armed with prepared toys (belated birthday gifts, as it was his 6th birthday last June 17), but I was not prepared to see Kyle this way. He looked so thin and frail, so pale his skin was almost yellowish. His face is bloated and his whole body is covered by different sizes of hematomas. He no longer had his “energy” but his eyes were so big with excitement.

One by one, I gave him his gifts (some sent by friends) and saved his favorite for last--- a red Hot Wheels car. And his eyes grew even bigger…. “WOW!! A CAR!” …as he smiled. As he played with his new toys, he forgot about his “guests” and I was able to talk to his grandmother, Fema. They still had not heard from Kyle’s mother, who left without a word, with Kyle’s 5-month old baby brother, and has not been heard of since. A few days ago, Kyle was featured in Ratsada (a news show in a local channel) where Kyle told them his last wish before he dies was to see his baby brother, Ton. He also said that he did not want to see his mother. Fema cries silently as she tells me how extremely difficult it is to accept that there is nothing else she can do to prevent Kyle from dying. She wants to protect Kyle from the physical pain of cancer and the emotional pain of being abandoned, first by his father when he was 2 years old, then recently by his mother. But there is nothing else she can do but pray to God for mercy.

Do kids understand the concept of death? Does Kyle understand? What he understands is the “present”, and his “present” is definitely full of physical pain. I hear him moaning, with eyes closed, he clasps his head. No one can do much, as his aunt holds his head tenderly and his cousin rubs his feet. Despite the oppressive heat in the room, Kyle wants them to shut off the electric fan, as even the touch of the air from the fan is painful on his skin. What is worse-- watching a child die or watching a child in pain and you can't do anything  about it??

I speak to Kyle. I don’t say what was in my mind “Goodbye Kyle. I have to leave now, because I feel so bad seeing you this way.”.   What comes out of my mouth is “I’m leaving now Kyle. Would you like to take a ride in my car? Sama ka?”... He does not even open his eyes, but with much effort, he smiles and nods his head repeatedly.

For about 30 minutes,we made him forget his pain and for a while, we glimpsed the Kyle that I will always remember. I kept thinking about the time when he told me that his ambition is to become a taxi driver. And when we made him sit on the lap of Dr. Ramirez and let him hold the wheel by himself while the car was slowly moving, we seemed to have made his ambition of driving a car come true. Remembering a 6- year old boy’s simple desire and letting him experience it during the most difficult ordeal one has to face in his short life, is an unforgettable experience for me. I do not know if that would be the last time I would see Kyle. But no one, except God, knows for sure.
As we said goodbye, Fema, the grandmother was again crying and could only say, “Thank you. Salamat.”.  I went home with my heart filled with sadness, but still with awe in the simplicity of a child’s happiness.  I went home with lessons learned from an unexpected teacher, Kyle.


Kyle during the Bed Push, Feb 5, 2011

KKK Recipient: MARIEL J - Case: Retinoblastoma

"MARIEL JASTIA ---Case: Retinoblastoma"

by Kathy Villalon

The youngest recipient of Mga Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang May Kanser (KKK) is Mariel Jastia, who is only nine months old.

She was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is a rapidly developing cancer that develops in the cells of retina, the light detecting tissue of the eye. This generally affects children under the age of 6. It is most commonly diagnosed in children aged one to two years.

When Mariel was only two months old, her mother Mardy, 37, saw a whitish spot at the pupil of her left eye. This increased in size, covering the entire left eyeball, when Mariel was four months old. So, Mardy brought her daughter to an ophthalmologist, who required a CT scan. The examination showed that she has bilateral Retinoblastoma on her left eye. This required removal of the affected eye, so Mariel had to undergo the operation last March 21 this year.

Mariel also went through chemotherapy treatments. “With God’s grace, Mariel was able to complete her four chemotherapy treatments,” Mardy said.

Some of those who helped them with Mariel’s treatments were the Department of Social Welfare and Development of Pavia, Mayor A Gorriceta, village officials of Purok 4, Rep. Syjuco, trisikad drivers and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

However, this month, the ophthalmologist suggested that the right eye of Mariel has to undergo laser treatment and this would cost them P10,000.

“Our problem is, we cannot afford that amount. We can’t even afford to buy her medicines. We don’t know how we could come up with the money,” Mardy said.

Mardy’s husband, Juvy, 44, works as a welder and trisikad driver and earns only an average of P6,000 a month. That is not enough to meet the family’s needs, considering that the couple has three more kids – Julie Ann, 14; Joseph, 10; and Jomar, four years old. The three are studying in Pavia, Iloilo.  They live as squatters in a small house that’s made of mixed materials. The bedroom, living and dining areas are located in one room.

The well-being of a child is every parent’s wish. Mardy continues to hope that some kind-hearted individuals or organizations would help them save their child.

Pls contact us if you wish to extend any help.  Help us give them a chance.

Poor cancer patients get funding support

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.Inquirer Visayas
11:46 pm | Friday, July 15th, 2011


ILOILO CITY—Nine days after he celebrated his sixth birthday with his family and friends in a fast-food chain in Iloilo City on June 26, Kyle Ferolino succumbed to acute lymphocytic leukemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood, which had worsened despite chemotherapy.


Although saddened by his death, a group of volunteers, who had helped Kyle and his family cope with his condition, has not given up hope.


“We want to give hope to the children and their parents and make it easier for them in whatever way. Miracles can and do happen,” said Dr. Ma. Socorro Martinez, president of the Iloilo-based Mga Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang may Kanser (KKK).


The KKK is composed of volunteers who help raise funds for the treatment of children with cancer. It has been assisting 16 cancer-stricken children aged 7 months to 17 years coming from indigent families, Martinez said.
Since 2007, seven of the children, including Kyle, have died while the whereabouts of two others remain unknown. “The parents of the two children we could not contact could have given up hope and stopped seeking treatment,” Martinez said.


Costly treatment
The KKK started in 2007 as an initiative of Martinez, whose mother died of gastric cancer in 2005, and her friend, Sol Fernandez, a dance choreographer and studio owner. Martinez’s work as a radiologist also linked her to cancer patients.


“A chemotherapy costs around P7,500 per session and we thought of helping the families of the patients seek treatment,” she said.


The group’s first fund-raising venture was a two-day dance show in Iloilo City in 2007. Eight friends who were also passionate about helping children with cancer assisted Fernandez and Martinez.
The two-day show generated P200,000, which was donated to three young cancer patients confined in city hospitals. But more than the funds generated, it encouraged other individuals to help.
Thus, the KKK was formed. Now, it has 15 members, including seven doctors, a nurse, a priest, a student and a journalist. Most of them want to help without any publicity, Martinez said.


7 recipients
The KKK has continued to support seven recipients by soliciting donations. Sometimes, the members themselves shell out money. They conduct house visits to the recipients.


“When you get patients as recipients, you get them for life. At times, we have to shoulder their fare from their homes to seek treatment,” Martinez said.


The recipients are chosen by the group based on the recommendation of two members who are hema-oncologists (physicians specializing in blood cancer).


The death of a recipient delivers a heavy blow to the members. “As a doctor, I should maintain a certain detachment from patients but how can you be detached to something you are passionate about?” Martinez said.


When one of the children died in 2008, Martinez said she had wanted to give up in frustration.
But the thought of giving an inkling of hope made her go on.


A place of their own
She is hoping that the group could raise enough funds for a place for children with cancer in hospitals or a separate center. They are confined in pediatric wards and sections of hospitals, while those who are in serious condition stay in isolation rooms.


Although hospitals have enough expertise and equipment to care for the children, the costs are expensive.
Martinez said a patient undergoing chemotherapy needs at least P30,000 per month or P180,000 for their six remaining recipients. This excludes medicines and other expenses.


The KKK plans to hold a film showing to raise funds. “There are still many things that we can and should do,” Martinez said.

Fashionata for KKK

Fashion for a cause 

The KKK family.

Fashionata, a fashion show and musical extravaganza held for the benefit of children with cancer, was a success.

The event was organized by KKK or Mga Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang May Kanser composed of Dr. Ma. Socorro Martinez, Dr. Ruben Ramirez, Sol Fernandez, Cristina Tan, Maryann Gumban, Dialita Jardeleza, Dr. Lita Fe Paclibar, Dr. Joselito Caso, Dr. Dina Belicena, Dr. Geraldine Gubatina, Dr. Eileen Granada, Elena Torre, Fr. Greg Porras, Amy Tudence, and Kathy Villalon.

Iloilo's premier fashion designers volunteered to be part of this event. They were Peer Lynelle Banas, Angel Tan, Aldrich Aparicio, Jor-el Espina, Grace Clavel, Bo Parcon, Jasmine Castelo, Eric de los Santos, Claire Jarantilla-Gabayeron, Jaki Penalosa and Angelette Borja-Ragus.

Angelette Borja Ragus.

Campus Fashionista models also volunteered their talents on the ramp and they were Ana Thea Cenarosa, Kristine Marie Tee, Sherry Ann Mendoza, Charlene Joan Casten, Nica Ann Paguntalan, Eden Angelie Paragat, Joan Christine Malaca, Dimple dela Cruz, Tipay Gumban, Jay Sapa, Grendel Gimenea, Marlon Mallo, Ralph Antone Rojo, Regina Prudente, Jay R Animas, Michael C. Domig, Ana Yranela and Charisse Grace G. Somes.

KKK wishes to thank the following sponsors: ABS-CBN, MOR 91.1, Pepsi, Mindworkx, Iloilo Skincare and Laser Clinic and The News Today, Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta of the Municipality of Pavia, Freska, Toyota, Manchie Jamora, Andy Jamora, Benjamin Jarantilla, Hongkong Kitchen House, Councilor Lex Tupas, Betty and Bert Onglamsing, Rosa Jamelarin, Coloso Credit Facilities, Supreme Pawnshop and Jewelry, Supreme Gasoline Station, Caltex West Diversion & Supreme Gasoline Station II, Caltex, Tigbauan, Rosita Conducta, Coffeebreak and Asian Lumber Company and donors.

We would also like to thank Vox, that rendered song numbers during the event, the Sol Fernandez School of Dance for the dances.

By Eric de los Santos.

The show directors were Bo Parcon and Sol Fernandez, light director was J Constantine Reynoso, set director was Paw Galvarole, voice over was Stanley Villalobos, hair and makeup were done by Pepoy Tancinco while video and photography were done by Mindworkxx's Anthony Po and Rommel Ciasico.

The proceeds of the events will be used to fund the chemotherapy sessions of seven kids with cancer.

To those who supported this event, thank you very much.

as posted in The News Today by Kathy Villalon

Bed Push by Patrick Murray

We made it through the rain..
It was all worth pushing it.

Irishman 'bed-pushes' for ailing kids

By TARA YAP

February 9, 2011, 5:47pm

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo – An Irishman has undertaken a unique way to raise funds for underprivileged children diagnosed with cancer.

Patrick Murray, 65, pushed a bed from Iloilo Provincial Capitol to Treñas Blvd. to show, in an urgent manner, the plight of seven children diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and in an effort to raise funds for their chemotherapy treatment.

“I want everyone to be inspired by this,” Murray emphasized.

The Irishman, who is a football player and postal worker, is a native of Cork, Ireland. At a young age, he became a volunteer to “help the needy, the deprived, and the underprivileged.”

Murray pioneered bed-pushing in public as a fundraising activity when he was 17 and his endeavor grew when he moved to London, England. In 1982, he bed-pushed for 500 miles from London to Cork., raising £1,500 for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Fund.

Proceeds of Murray’s first Philippine bed-push was donated to Mga Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang may Kanser (KKK), an organization that funds medical treatment for cancer-stricken children in Iloilo and Guimaras.

“He is very compassionate and has a passion to help sick children,” said KKK president Dr. Ma. Socorro Martinez.

Martinez continues to appeal for help to raise funds for sickly children under the KKK’s care.

“Most of them die because the treatments they need are not obtained due to financial constraints,” Martinez said.

Aside from bed-pushing, Murray has also raised funds by fasting. He once fasted underneath London’s Hammersmith Bridge to raise money for then 4-year-old Ellen Ramirez. The Filipino child was diagnosed with congenital brain abnormality.

On an annual basis, Murray also gives books, toys, medicines, clothes, and food to the underprivileged children of Oton.

“My work has been tough, blood, sweat, and tears,” Murray said.