Children with cancer continue to fight for their lives amidst COVID-19 crisis

As the entire world reels because of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the workforce of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation Inc. (KKMK-Cebu) continue tirelessly to find ways to help its children with cancer beneficiaries pursue their treatment amidst the challenges of lack of transportation, border control, extreme infection control precautions considering their weakened immune system, among others. This is part of the Foundation’s flagship program, “Pangga-a Sab Ko,” which provides medical and psychosocial support to children aged 0-16 years old who are stricken with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer. 

Despite the various limitations imposed by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine in Cebu and its neighboring surrounding provinces, the chemotherapy treatment, laboratory workups, and medical check-ups of the children battling cancer never stop. For them, the present threat of COVID-19 is not a hindrance in seeking medical attention for their regular monthly treatment.  Because of this, KKMK-Cebu is employing every effort and avenue in extending help essential to the patients and their families. The Foundation continues to facilitate the release of chemotherapeutic drugs and payment of hospital bills, and the distribution of donated alcohol to its valued beneficiaries. By partnering with big-hearted individuals and local government units, the Foundation also assists beneficiaries who are living outside Cebu City to get free and timely transportation to the hospitals for their chemotherapy treatment.

Lately, we can clearly see that innumerable people around the world are greatly threatened because of the crisis brought about by the novel coronavirus, yet it is also of note to remember what these children and their families have been going through as they fight cancer every day and all year round. In their tender age, these children have experienced a life of uncertainty since day one of their diagnosis. Their hope is indeed solely anchored on the goodness of God, care of the family, and compassion of people who have the heart to help.

Hence, the Foundation gives its highest gratitude for the all-out support of our generous partners, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Cebu Centennial Lions and Leo Clubs District 301-B2, San Miguel Corporation, Federation of Volunteers through Radio Communication (FVRC), a shipping company, Kapwa volunteers, and the services rendered by the local government units and private individuals who have extended the much-needed transportation assistance to our beneficiaries. As KKMK-Cebu continues to carry forward its work of benefitting children afflicted with cancer, the Foundation expresses its endless gratitude by saying, “Salamat sa inyong padayon nga pagpangga!”

To those who wish to collaborate with Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation Inc. – Cebu, you may contact 0933-194-0197. Or to those who desire to donate, kindly deposit your donation directly to KKMK-Cebu’s account at Unionbank under account name, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation Inc. – Cebu with account number 00-112-000066-2.  Thank you very much.