By Albert Santoli | Project Leader
For nearly three years, the COVID Pandemic and natural disasters have been brutal on children with various forms of cancer, and rare and congenital diseases in hundreds of islands in the Philippines. Thanks to the GlobalGiving donor community and enduring partners such as One Wold Institute, Asia America initiative has been able to adapt and improvise a holistic approach to providing a healing touch to courageous child patients at medical centers such as the House of Hope Center in Davao and Philippines Heart Center in Manila. AAI provides life-saving nutrition and gifts to help overcome trauma and support healing. This is especially important for young children who need extra care and love. Our art programs, conducted in hospital wards, build a joyful attitude to embrace life and enhance their healing process. Toys, books, and educational materials are supplied to give hope for the future.
During the height of the Covid19 pandemic, AAI volunteers were often restricted from directly interacting with children with compromised immune systems. We learned to use the utmost caution and divide our program efforts between hospital nurses and young volunteers. We had to judiciously provide materials and nutrition supplements through hospital staff so the children and families would have peace of mind. We also offered direct support and helped with costs for treatment in special cases in support of impoverished families. We have learned to set aside parts of our budget to address the challenges in housing and family access to their children.
Maturing but cautious AAI volunteers treat all patients and their families with respect for their dignity. Children with cancer and hospitals like House of Hope and the Philippine Heart Center are often from families that earn less than $3 per day. "AAI and friends such as One World Institute programs are very holistic," says OWI President Dr. Yolanda Stern, Ph.D. "Activities include nutrition, art supplies, storybooks, and toys to instill positive attitudes and big smiles. Severe poverty and malnutrition afflict more than 60% of the population. Healing from cancer involves more than medicine; it requires a positive and joyful attitude," says Dr. Stern.
People in much of the under-developed world, such as the Philippines, are unable to afford medical care for life-threatening diseases or to access life-saving medicines. Quality medical care is rare, and travel to specialized clinics is very expensive. AAI's programs empower entire communities to have hope. Every life is treasured. We seek to prove it is possible to succeed against all odds.
Professor Al Santoli, Founder of AAI, expressed his appreciation to all of our donors, "Thank you for being a part of this heartfelt team." If you would like to make an additional contribution to this project for children receiving treatment, please follow the link below.
Cancer treatment for 20 children and 30 women
Wishing you peace,
Albert Santoli
Director, Asia America Initiative
Links:
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