By Albert Santoli | Project Leader
Dear Friends,
Every year during the Christmas Season, the House of Hope gives a Survivors' Party to children and teens who have overcome cancer. More than 800 survivors attended this year in a magnificent display of resiliency and hope! This year, children wore their favorite superhero costumes and enjoyed the party along with their peers and some parents.
A great time was had by all! We are so appreciative that with your help, we were partners in providing gifts and toys, hygiene supplies, and masks for the attendees.
Children and teens do feel like superheroes for surviving their ordeals and thriving. During the Survivor’s party, AAI staff and other volunteers served snacks, presented surprise gifts of toys and books, and led entertainment for the group. It is meaningful to be a "carefree child for the day" and feel the friendship and hear the laughter of other children given a new chance to live.
We also have two micro projects available for children currently receiving treatment. There is a Christmas party project and a Christmas toy project. There will be more than one party this year, as cancer doesn’t wait. New patients will be arriving throughout the Christmas season. The final party will be held on Three Kings Day, which is celebrated on Monday, January 6. See below for the links.
The House of Hope in Davao, Philippines, is attached to the only Cancer Treatment center in the southern Philippines that cares for hundreds of children who live in the surrounding rural and urban areas. These children, many of whom are the offspring of landless farm workers, have been subjected to herbicides and pesticides, resulting in never-before-seen tumors and rare diseases.
Our professional partners provide oncology medications free of charge to children fighting cancer. AAI complements its mission by providing nutritional and educational support. We try to instill a sense of happiness through our toy-giving. This is especially important for young children who need care and healing love. In addition, older children and teenagers benefit from our related art programs. Often, these children, whose parents are indigent farm laborers, have never had a toy of their own. The cuddly stuffed animals become a touchstone of support as they go through their medical treatments.
"The value of this program," says volunteer coordinator Lorna," is that we are united as a caring support team for the children and their medical providers. Asia America Initiative and One World Institute are selfless in their shared devotion to support our local volunteers. We encircle the children and their families with love and hope to help expedite their healing process."
Thank you for all you have done for these children during their time of crisis. Also, if you are interested in adding to your healing gift for children receiving treatment or beginning monthly support, please follow the link:
Cancer treatment for 20 children and 30 women
The two micro-projects for Christmas parties and Christmas toys are:
Christmas Party Joy for 100 Children with Cancer
Christmas Toys for 200 Children with Cancer
Wishing you peace,
Albert Santoli
President
Links:
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