Special Features
Children CAn Beat It: Pediatric Cancer Patients Graduate!
Children are just as prone to cancer as adults but so long there is the technology, they have a fighting chance.
Children usually get cancers because of genetics. The brutal luck of the draw has them suffering from highly aggressive and pediatric cancers, even if they haven’t lived their life yet. They are also prone to low survival rates, much like geriatric patients, because of how discouraging and painful chemotherapy is.
But with the latest cancer-fighting technologies, these kids can finally have the childhood that they deserve.
“The power of the human spirit”
Cancer is a disease that taxes both the body and mind. It’s also a slap from reality that Death is not choosy. These children barely have childhoods with most of it spent in and out of hospitals, battling a wide range of symptoms like falling hair, and witnessing heartbroken households as they fight through it.
And for those who survive, it’s not just because of the success of the treatment but also because of, what Founder and Chairwoman of I Want To Share (IWTS) Sheila Romero calls, “the power of the human spirit.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable journey of these young cancer warriors,” she says. “As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, it is important to remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be consistent in their follow-up appointments.”
These children are not alone
These strong children have fought through cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia—a kind of cancer wherein their body just makes too many white blood cells, retinoblastoma (an eye cancer), osteosarcoma, brain tumors, lymphoma, and the like.
But because of technology and the love and support from their families, they detected it early.
Sheila gives a poignant reminder to survivors and their families. “You still have to be observed for the next 10 years. But Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is there to help as well as the upcoming Helpline that will be established by IWTS so that you can fight cancer as well as provide support in the continuing journey of the cancer patients,” she says.
The kids also had quite a treat besides wearing their little white caps and gowns. Toward the end of the ceremony, they watched a performance from Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano. A survivor of kidney cancer, the 59-year-old dancer and cancer warrior sang songs and shared his own experiences after battling the disease.
A victory worth celebrating for the little warriors
As parents, we see cancer usually as a sign of “time to go” because we know the pain that comes from the treatments. But that’s different for a child who hasn’t done much. We encourage them, fight alongside them, and do our best to keep their spirits up because we want them to experience the world. We want them to enjoy the things we did growing up and live life to the fullest.
The I Want To Share Foundation focuses on giving children a chance to fight cancer by investing in technologies and services that allow their families the chance to detect the disease early. Pediatric cancers should not be a death sentence.
As long as there’s support, hope, and the right technologies, every child deserves a chance to survive against cancer.
More about cancers?
Pink Ribbon Pride: Breast Cancer Survival Stories
Latest Cancer Treatments Give Families Hope
Vicki Belo Considers Daughter Scarlet Her Secret to Surviving Cancer
