BATANGAS CITY (PIA) — Over 100 young cancer patients in Batangas received an early Christmas joy and cheers as the Batangas Provincial Blood Council held its annual gift- giving activity on December 12 at the DREAM Zone in Batangas City.
Now in its seventh year, the gift giving activity with the theme “Bigay Handog para sa Cancer Warrior” is held in collaboration with the Batangas Provincial Health Office and private sector partners.
The children are beneficiaries of the Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc., a non-government organization who helps cancer patients receive urgent care and various interventions for their treatment and medication.
Michael Galvez, a cancer survivor, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the organizers of the gift giving activity for cancer patients.
As one of the former beneficiaries of the gift- giving activity, he shared his life as an inspiration for the young patients to continue their treatment and medications.
Galvez was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. He shared that his whole lifestyle was changed when he was diagnosed with the disease, as his routine only includes going from his house to the hospital. When he was declared cancer-free in 2008, he made sure that his life would go back to normal. He shared that he is now married and has three children.
“As a cancer survivor, I hope that I serve as an example that cancer can be cured. I thank the donors and sponsors for their continued help and assistance for kids with cancer,” he said.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rozvilinda Ozaeta sends her gratitude for their partners who continuously extend their help and contribution for young cancer patients.
“When we started this program, our goal was to bring smiles and joy to children diagnosed with cancer. Despite going through a pandemic, we continued to fulfill their wishes. There are some child beneficiaries who were with us before and are no longer here, but nevertheless, we continue our programs for them. As long as there are kind-hearted individuals willing to help them, we are here to support and bring happiness to these children,” said Ozaeta.
Over 100 children who are beneficiaries of the Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc., receive grocery packs and other Christmas gifts from government agencies and private organizations during a gift giving activity held at the DREAM Zone, Batangas City. (Bhaby de Castro/PIA-Batangas)
Grocery packs and other gifts for children were given to the beneficiaries by donors and partners from the government such as the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Information Office, Philippine Information Agency-Batangas, University of Batangas, Batangas Medical Center, and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Batangas, respectively.
Private organizations and companies also extended their assistance and donations which include the ABS CBN Kapamilya Foundation, Rotary Club of Taal-Lemery Inc., Philippine National Red Cross-Batangas, Soroptimist Batangas, and Shooting Stars Trading.
Meanwhile, Governor Hermilando Mandanas said that the provincial government is committed to further assist young cancer patients by extending medical assistance for them.
Provincial Blood Council Vice Chair Ronald Generoso extends his well-wishes to the children and their family and how their organization will continue to provide additional care and assistance needed by the patients.
“Hiling ko lamang na palagi kayong mag-ingat at magdasal na bigyan ng kagalingan ng Panginoon. Laging nakahanda ang PBC upang tumulong sa mga bata, lalo na sa pangangailangan nila sa dugo. (Bhaby de Castro/PIA-Batangas; with reports from Batangas PIO)
