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Kythe Child Life Program Launched at TPH and DMC
Recently, Pfizer Philippines Foundation joined Kythe Foundation and The Asia Foundation in the launching of the Kythe Child Life Program at the Tarlac Provincial Hospital (TPH), first outside Manila, and Davao Medical Center (DMC), first in Mindanao.
In Tarlac, representatives from Kythe Foundation, Asia Foundation and Pfizer were graciously received by the officers and members of TPH. The celebration started with the Holy Mass where Fr. Manolito Santos gave a heartwarming homily, and then followed by the blessing of the center. During the turnover ceremonies, TPH Medical Director Dr. Ricardo Ramos welcomed the guests with gratitude that TPH will now be able to provide the patients optimum care through the Kythe Child Life Center. While Kimmy Coseteng, on behalf of Pfizer, gave our pledge of support to the people behind this meaningful program. And, this was seconded by Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation. The support was accepted by Dr. Kathyrine Pascual, the pediatric onco-hematologist who pushed for the institutionalization of Kythe Child Life Program at TPH. Emotional messages from Kythe's Dr. Ramon Severino and Dr. Marvie Abesamis commenced the symbolic turnover ceremony of the program to newly trained Child Life coordinators of TPH.
Likewise, officers of Davao Medical Center led by their Medical Director, Dr. Gerardo Cunanan, received guests with warm welcome. Fr. Marcelo Pamintuan blessed the newly-renovated Pediatric Ward where colored walls designed with cartoon characters made for it to be more child-friendly. Then, the formal turnover started with the energetic Dr. Jean Tay, Chief of Clinics, as emcee. Girlie Garcia, Executive Director of Kythe Foundation, gave an overview of the Child Life Program followed by a message from Dr. Marvie Abesamis, Kythe's President. Imelda Mallorca led the Child Life coordinators in giving a response where they showed their commitment to the program. Pfizer's Corporate Affairs Director, Karen Villanueva, delivered our pledge of support to the program as well as to the different initiatives of DMC. Dr. Steven Rood also shared their commitment on this program. Dr. Cunanan accepted the support while Dr. Liberation Abarico, Department Chair of Pediatrics, gave the closing remarks. Lastly, an emotional gesture of pasasalamat was given by the pediatric patients to the supporters of the Child Life Program. Afterwards, a lecture on Pain Management in Childhood Cancer was facilitated by Dr. Abesamis.
We also wish to thank the North Luzon team led by SDM Ding Cortes, and Mindanao team led by SDM Ricky Garcia for their support during the launch of the two centers.
Kythe Child Life Program is a support program for pediatric cancer patients instituted by Kythe Foundation. Currently, there are nine Child Life centers in various hospitals across the nation, that have been utilizing the program. Three of them, including TPH, Davao Medical Center and UST Hospital, are being supported by PPFI through grants from Pfizer Foundation in New York. |
