CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

A Journey through Cancer
By Muffet Dolar Villegas
APRIL 12,2008

FLAME OF HOPE

Every long journey begins with a single step.
A timely move of creating a cancer support group for Negros Oriental Cancer warriors or victors has been launched yesterday, Saturday April 12, 2008 at the Provincial Health Administration Building at 8 am.
Cancer survivors and those who are still undergoing treatment for cancer from different towns, cities of the province joined the formal launching which opened with a fun run earlier and motorcade from the Provincial Health Office Compound going to Silliman Avenue and proceeded to the M.F. Perdices , Colon, Real and finally returned to the previous location.
The province of Negros Oriental, headed by Gov. Emilio Macias 11.M.D., the Department of Health , Region V11, Bantay Banay Network and Bike for Life Negros Oriental joined together in launching the Negros Oriental Cancer Support Group at the Provincial Health Office Compound.
Dr. Betty Calderon- Talaver, an Oncologist from Cebu whose roots came from Negros Oriental, talked about the topic, “There is More to Life after the Diagnosis”. She stressed the importance of the will to live for every cancer victim. She emphasized that support from their medical doctors, family and the community is equally important for survival.
Filomena Sy, another breast cancer survivor who is the Vice President for Cebu Cancer Fight, a support group for cancer in Cebu said that the government can help more by giving affordable medicines for cancer patients to help them in financial aspects. It was also mentioned that other countries like India, medicines are cheaper to help the poor fight diseases. There is a plea for the government to allocate funds for medicines, instead of giving more importance to other projects.
Various cancer survivors like Mitos Tugade Nepomoceno, Celeste Cata-al, Mary Angeles Pinero M.D. and Hazel Ricablanca gave their encouraging testimonies in their journey through the battle of cancer.
The newly formed group has elected a new set of officers. They are Chelsea Cacaldo M.D., President; Judith Vailoces, Vice Pres., Ma. Celeste Cata-al, Secretary; Maria Salud Kho, M.D.,Treasurer; Muffet Villegas, as PRO; and Wevina Fuentes M.D. as Auditor.
Chairmen on Committees are Ely Villapando,M.D.,Medical Director, Ma. Salud Kho M.D for Finance; with co- chair Mary Angeles Pinero M.D.; Membership and Follow up Jeanette Villarubia; Caregiving, Phoebe Tan; Nutrition, Rosevilla Russel; Prayer, Counseling and Healing, Rev. Andrew Villegas and Mary Angeles Pinero M.D.
Eday and Jeanette Villarubia made everything possible through their efforts to make every participant well taken cared of during the event.
The support group which consists of cancer survivors, their families and medical practitioners are looking forward to organize more activities that can help cancer patients. This important move can bring awareness, prevention, guidance and financial help to those concerned.
Everyday, I find meaning and purpose for cancer that was allowed in my life. All of us in that beautifully created spacious room situated at the third floor of the provincial health building was finding our own place as the Master Planner unfolds His plan before us.