Creating a better environment for cancer patients and their families

In line with the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which aims to improve outcomes for children with cancer around the world and give them the best chance to survive and have a better future, organizations including the Kythe Foundation, Department of Health, National Integrated Cancer Control Council (NICC) and more, collaborated through a panel discussion titled, “Strategic Collaboration Towards Attaining the Goal of Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer”.

 

The EON Foundation, EON Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility Wing, has been a long time partner of the Kythe Foundation which aims to improve the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. “One of the many things that make Kythe Foundation an admirable organization is that it does not only strive to promote a positive hospital experience for children, but also thinks of ways to help improve family resilience and empower them. We are grateful for platforms like the 1st Cancer Control Stakeholders Virtual Summit where Kythe is able to contribute insights and create awareness on better cancer care programs,” says Mr. Junie Del Mundo, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of The EON Group.

 

During the summit, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo discussed the need for the DOH and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to work together in order to strengthen health leadership and governance programs for local officials. Stakeholders are needed to change behavior and champion programs for cancer. She states that there is a need to invest more on health, particularly childhood and cancer prevention programs.

 

She also highlights the patients’ tagline, “Nothing about us, without us” which emphasizes strengthening patient engagement in the health system where patient leaders and groups are empowered. Aside from this, she mentions the importance of recognizing patient organizations at the provincial levels as this will enable patient groups to be a part of the implementation of the childhood cancer control and prevention program on the ground. 

Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), held the 1st Cancer Control Stakeholders Virtual Summit with Special Focus on Childhood  with the theme “Better Survival is Achievable #ThroughOurHands”. Kythe Foundation's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo was one of the panelists included in the discussion on attaining the goal of a global initiative for childhood cancer.

 

Lastly, Ms. Lorenzo states that they hope to fully integrate child life services in the treatment of childhood cancer in the hospital. According to the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, child life services are developmentally appropriate interventions for children and youth, which include therapeutic play and other modalities, preparation and education about the illness, and medical procedures that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. Hiring full-time child life specialists will enable children to learn, play, and grow even if they are confined in the hospital.

 

“It takes a village to raise a child and it also takes a village to control and to cure cancer. Reflect on what you can do or offer to help in any way you can. Kung ano ang abot kaya, abot puso, abot kamay, yun ang ibigay mo,” says Ms. Lorenzo.

 

 

Live your best life with Maxicare Maxifest biggest health and fitness event

Just as I am trying to get fit again, Maxicare will hold its biggest health and fitness event this coming December.  They will try to break the Guinness Book of Record for the most number of people hugging a soft toy simultaneously while running. 

Fitness is, without a doubt, the biggest trend in 2019 as it has the ability to shape better habits of living life to the fullest. With different exercise routines and innovative workouts that deliver sweat-inducing sessions, living your best life has never been more exciting.

For those who are always on the search for new and interesting ways to improve one’s fitness level, Maxicare Healthcare Corporation has got you covered as the country’s leading HMO provider that encourages people to live their best lives hosts MAXIFEST: Live Your Best Life at 5 E-Com, Harbor Drive, Pasay this coming December 15. The run is in partnership with one of the premiere race organizers in the country, RUNRIO.

“What makes this year’s MAXIFEST: Live Your Best Life different is that, aside from the series of running events which we have been doing for 2 years now, there will also be a Veggie Fest that will feature a festival of plant-based food products to promote healthy eating habits that one can incorporate into their life. We are also eyeing to become part of the Guinness World Record in our attempt to attract public attention on the importance of health and fitness. We hope that MAXIFEST will convince more and more people to make physical activity, as well as eating right, part of their daily routine to improve their quality of life,” said Maxicare chief marketing officer Archie V. Rillo.

Coming from the success of last year’s run, the event will once again include a 500-meter dash for three to 12-year-old kids, the 2k Senior Sprint for 60-year-olds and above, the basic 3k, the amiable distance of 5k, and the athletic 10k and 16k. The run is open to all as Maxicare encourages you to stay healthy so you can live your best life.

All runners will be given a race kit depending on their chosen course. It will include a race bib, timing chip, medal, singlet, and loot bag; an additional finisher shirt will be given to 16k runners. 

Assembly time is as follows: 500-meter dash is at 6:30 am; 2k at 6:15 am; 3k at 6am; 5k at 5:30 am; 10k is at 5 am; and 16k is at 4:50 am. Fees are also determined by distance: Php 550 for the 500-meter dash; Php 650 for 2k Senior Sprint; Php 800 for 3k; Php 900 for 5k; Php 1,000 for 10k; and Php 1,100 for 16k.

To generate more buzz and awareness on the importance of health and fitness, Maxicare will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the most number of people hugging a soft toy simultaneously as the event aims to gather over 4,000 runners and event guests. 

For this event, each runner will be given a Maxibear, Maxicare’s official stuffed plushie, which runners will hug simultaneously to break the current world record. Cherry Run Elementary School (USA) in Burke, Virginia, USA is the current record holder.

At the end of the event, runners have the option to keep the Maxibear as a souvenir, or to donate it to kids of Kythe Foundation, Inc., the beneficiary of the event, as an early Christmas gift. 

Kythe Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, non-stock organization aimed towards improving the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illness.

For registration please visit  Run Rio Registration