KCSG holds Christmas party for cancer patients, survivors

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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: Yuletide cheer and gift giving abound as the Kabayan Cancer Support Group (KCSG) recently held their Christmas party at the Padre Pio Hall at the Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait City. The event is a celebration of life. Love and generosity as KCSG invited cancer patients and survivors as their special guests.

KCSG founded on Feb 7, 2015 with a total of 55 Filipino members, majority of which are nurses working in Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC), aims to help Filipino cancer patients to lessen their emotional burden by visiting them while they are under treatment in the hospital. KCSG provides patients with emotional and spiritual support, and assist them financially based on the group’s capabilities. “We want them to feel that they are not alone in the battle they are facing.

As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), we know how hard and painful it is to be alone in a foreign land working for your family back home. And as nurses in a cancer hospital, we feel what they are going through as an OFW while battling cancer. That’s why we came up with an idea of organizing a support group for them,” quipped KCSG President Marcelino Mallari. The event kick started with an opening remark from Philippine Ambassador Renato Pedro Villa followed by the presentation of KCSG officers namely President: Marcelino R. Mallari, 1st Vice- President Roselle C. Magno, 2nd Vice-President: Demosthenes P. Abat, Secretary: Andrea C. Abu, Asst Secretary: Reynilda Sj. Pablo, Treasurer: Leah A. Quibol ‘Asst. Treasurer: Suzette S. Aguilar, Auditor: Francis Von B. Agarrado, Asst Auditor: Bernadette B. Sotelo., KCCC staff and party’s beneficiaries.

One of the highlights of the gettogether was when the cancer survivors recounted their ordeal and how they faced cancer head on. “We just have to continue fighting. Not for everybody else but for our own life,” says Maria Teresa Recodo, a survivor who has been diagnosed twice with cancer.

Rommel Tiong Borja and Ruel Cayabyab gave similar accounts during the inspirational talk on how one’s positive outlook can ease the pain and eventually come out stronger and better. The gathering wouldn’t be complete without the musical prowess of Sing Galing duo Champ Joanna Idia Slayton who serenaded the fighters and survivors. Singers Astro Jimenez and Ramy Dela Cruz drew applause as they sang favourite hits which made guests groove to the beat. And to continue the festive mood, Jollibee’s top mascot strut the dance floor and surprised the young at heart with the slick moves and upbeat rendition. Guests and participants were treated to a sumptuous meal courtesy of Jollibee followed by raffle draws, gift-giving and presentation of plaques of appreciation.

The event wouldn’t be a resounding success without the help of sponsors and guests. KCSG wishes to extend their warmest gratitude to Phillipine Ambasssador Renato Pedro Villa, Labour Attache Angelita Narvaez, Jeremy Redulla of SSS, Emmanuel Diaz of OWWA, PhilHealth, Father Ramon Atanacio, Filinvest, Jollibee, Carribou, Kuwait Filipino Mothers Org (KFMO), Mrs Rosita Ortiz, Mrs Farida Alhalimi, Mayo Gayares/Emil Vilchez/Remar Toledo of PINDOT, Roxanne Cajipe, Yolanda Baldo, Maria Sheila Nilo, Solyven Flores, Mervin Muncal, Bro Allan, Al Perez Manlangit, Jedz Diaz, Benjie Tito, Gary Duadua, Ronaldo Poquiz, Anna Letix, Manju Matthew and Marivic Paradero.

By Marlon Aquino Malinao Arab Times Staff

This news has been read 7718 times!