The House of Hope in Davao, Philippines is part of the Southern Mindanao Medical Center. It is the only cancer treatment center for children among 20 million residents of the Mindanao region. The Center has served more than 5,000 children with various forms of cancer. Many are in the later stages of illness due to delayed diagnosis from lack of public health and severe poverty. This Christmas we seek to bring the healing joy of a gift exchange of toys among 250 children under age twelve.
Cancer in many forms has increased among many children in Asia, especially the Philippines, where the quality of air and water is affected by industrial or agricultural chemicals. Poverty is widespread and public health facilities are inadequate. In the Mindanao region, where Christians, Muslims, and mountain tribal people live in extremely challenging conditions, the only cancer treatment facility which coordinates free medicines to the poor is the House of Hope in the City of Davao.
At HoH, cancer treatments are provided by the city government, but expenses of transportation, food, and lodging for the children and their families are overwhelming. Private volunteers and organizations such as Asia America Initiative assist with non-medical needs. Cancer treatment is most successful when medicine, nutrition, and an attitude of hope are fully integrated. Toys for Christmas add to a joyful healing process. Many children have never owned a toy before this joyful gift sharing.
This program is an international model of donor kindness and global peace. By surviving and spreading hope, the multi-ethnic child cancer patients inspire their neighbors in largely impoverished communities. For children living in dire poverty, the influence of violent crime and militant extremism is a constant temptation. This holistic program can empower entire communities to have hope. Your donation contributes to their maintaining a positive attitude and is the best gift they could hope for.
