Cancer treatment for 20 children and 30 women

In 2014, Asia America Initiative achieved a heartfelt goal when 49 of thefirst 50 cancer patients in Manila, Philippines -- whose treatment was aided by contributions from the Global Giving community -- were diagnosed as cancer free. In addition, seven children with terminal hereditary genetic illnesses are living healthy normal lives thanks to the generous donation of specialized medicines by a major US-based pharmaceutical company. We ceclebrate and embrace each life saved. However, the rate of serious diseases such as cancer is growing worldwide. Cancer treatment organizations and service providers are concerned that the availability to obtain cancer medicines, especially by people living below the poverty line, remains a serious challenge,  As a result, we have decided to expand the program, not only in Manila, but in the most impoverished region of Mindanao where such treatment is extremely difficult to receive. 

In addition to maintaining our relationship with the medical professionals at the Philippines National Institutes of Health in Manila, we are forging an alliance with the Kids of Hope charitable organization and the Children's Cancer and Blood Disease Unit of the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao. We have begun assistance for supplemental health and nutrition needs of children undergoing specialized treatment at CCBDU and staying at the neighboring Hope Center in Davao for children whose families earn less than $5 per day. The program includes art supplies, story books and toys to instill positive attitudes, love and the will power to live. We also support  literacy and livelihood training to empower the Moms and Grandmoms to overcome poverty and inspire their communities.

Quality medical care does not exist in most of Mindanao, and travel to specialized clinics is too expensive for most families. In addition, severe poverty and malnutrition afflict more than 60% of the population. Healing from cancer involves more than medicine; it requires a more positive and joyful attitude which is difficult to develop in impoverished communities. Dr. Yolanda Ortega Stern, Director of the One World Institute, says: "The international support from Asia America Initiative to the community based coalition of Kids of Hope and the Southern Provincial Medical Center, could ultimately save hundreds of young lives and act as a model for global partnertship in the effort to heal cancer patients. The children live in remote impoverished areaas, but the love they receive from people from all over the world is their best medicine." 

This Cancer Treatment program is an international model of donor kindness and corporate social responsibility.  By surviving, and experiencing hope, the multi-ethnic children and women inspire their neighbors in large ghetto communities. Adult literacy and education will enable surviving women to provide better lives for their families. For children living in dire poverty the influence of violent crime and militant extremism is a constant temptation. This holistic program in multi-ethnic and diverse religious communities such as in the Mindanao region is also a model for peaceful co-existence.  We are exremely grateful to all who have supported us in the past. We ask you to please remember us and feel welcome to be part of our growing team. 

Links:

• Asia America Initiative web site