Sometimes happiness and giving is the best medicine. This is true at House of Hope in Davao, Philippines. Located at the Southern Mindanao Medical Center, this facility is the only healing provider for 3,500 children with various forms of cancer in their region. Many are in later stages due to the severe poverty of their families and lack of public health. Most have never owned a toy. This Christmas we will empower 100 children by providing them with gift toys to exchange with each other.
Cancer in many forms has increased among children in Asia, especially in the Philippines, where the quality of air and water is affected by industrial or agricultural chemicals, widespread poverty and inadequate public health facilities. In the Mindanao region, where Christians, Muslims and mountain tribal people live in extremely challenging conditions, the only cancer treatment facility which coordinates low cost medicines to the poor is the House of Hope in the City of Davao.
Cancer treatment is most successful when medicine, nutrition and a joyful attitude of hope are fully integrated. At House of Hope, cancer treatment medicines are provided by the city government, but the expense of providing transportation, food and lodging for 3,500 children and their families is overwhelming. Private volunteers and organizations such Asia America Initiative assist. A Christmas party with toys to exchange among 100 impoverished children energizes a joyful spirit of healing.
This program is an international model of donor kindness and corporate social responsibility. By surviving, and experiencing hope, the multi-ethnic children inspire their neighbors. For children living in dire poverty, the influence of violent crime and militant extremism is a constant reality. This holistic program can empower entire communities to overcome the trials of life and move forward with hopeful enthusiasm for a better future.
