House of Hope guests -living with cancer and celebrating their blessings

“Our Lord Jesus, our God, a loving Master, You are our Rock, our Fortress and our Strength”. This was the message expressed by most of the parents, relatives and patients who attended the interactive group processing session at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Healing Garden last March 16, 2010.

The officers and members of the Lay Camillian Family (LCF) of Davao spent time together with their Spiritual Director, Fr. Bong Pamintuan, M.I. to participate in the gathering. There were twenty seven relatives and watchers with fifteen patients from the House of Hope who joined the activity to share their feelings about their situation and the goodness of the Lord. (House of Hope, a half-way house located at the SPMC compound, provides accommodations to cancer-stricken children age one to fourteen, undergoing chemotherapy. They come from all over Mindanao and are allowed to stay in this facility to lessen their financial concerns.)

During the interaction, the participants brought up various issues and concerns such as financial difficulties, hopelessness, insecurity, death, sufferings, resentments, blessings and relationships. In the activity that asked each one to choose a picture and explain how it connects to his/her situation, each participant shared his/her experiences and feelings and ways of handling their concerns. It was heartbreaking as well as heartwarming to hear them relate their victorious ways of coping and managing their stressful struggles. They mentioned significant persons or people they considered as instruments who reveal God’s plan and give them strength and support. Getting in touch with and sharing their feelings with others gave them a feeling of relief and lightened their burdens.

Fourteen-year old Therese Eve de la Cruz used to be an active, vibrant and beautiful young lady with many talents.  Now she suffers with osteosarcoma. But she feels hopeful and at the session she thanked her mother for all the support, love and care that she gives her. There were those who shared in tears but hopeful and thankful for the activity conducted. The sharing of experiences made them feel closer as a family in the House of Hope. All of them stated that God is good all the time. Fr. Bong encouraged them to be strong to face their challenges and trials since they also serve as the pillars of their family and the patient as well. He also added that God walks with them every step of the way. He also emphasized that each one must consider every step made as a blessing from all people they encounter. He stressed that when one shares oneself with others, life begins to have meaning. He encouraged them to celebrate each day of life as a blessing.

LCF Davao joins observance ofChildhood Cancer Awareness Month

April is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Lay Camillian Family of Davao joined the entire community of the SPMC Pediatric Oncology Department in spotlighting childhood cancer and survivorship issues related to childhood cancer. Last April 18, 2010 the newly renovated Pediatric Oncology Ward was opened. One of the large rooms of the ward is the four-bed capacity St. Camillus de Lellis Teen’s Room made available to some teenage patients undergoing chemotherapy. It was blessed and dedicated in honor of St. Camillus de Lellis by Fr. Tex Rico V. Buntol, M.I. At present, eight teenagers are awaiting chemotherapy. Since only four can be accommodated in the room the other four are temporarily housed at the House of Hope.

One way or another, LCF Davao helps ease the burdens of these patients and their parents through prayers.  On March 16, LCF Jigz, Romie, Guilly, Beth and Brenda had a great time baby-sitting with the kids whose parents attended the inter-active group processing. Sheena, a Child Life Specialist of the Kythe Foundation and a long-time partner of LCF Davao, supports and gives us tips on how to deal with children with cancer.  She joined us in our spiritual journey and had a great time with God in this Lenten season.

The group also advocates the prevention of infection among cancer patients through awareness-raising programs.  One of the awareness programs participated in by the LCF Davao was a talk show called “SPMC Konek” held on April 19, 2010 at the NCCC Mall Recreation Hall. Here, LCF Romie explained to the public the role of every Lay Camillian in the lives of children with cancer admitted at the SPMC.

Fr. Angel facilitates LCF Lenten Recollection

Some members of the LCF of Davao spent time with Fr. Angel Crisostomo, M.I. for a Lenten Recollection last March 13, 2010 at the San Isidro Prayer House in Bago Oshiro, Talomo, Davao City. Towards the end of the recollection, Fr. Angel shared his expertise on “Appreciative Inquiry into Organizational Life”. He made a good comparison between “Problem Solving and Appreciative Inquiry” which was very much appreciated by the group. He shared with the LCF the core value of becoming a good follower and a good leader of an organization.