Dear Friends of Carewell,

“It’s beginning to look a lot like …”  No, no, well, not yet … anyway.  Although, I did hear my first Christmas carol on the radio towards the end of September! (Only in the Philippines!)  To read this blog and view the accompanying photos, please visit www.carewellcommunity.org.

As usual, let’s start with a recap of September.  What a busy month it was!  On the 14th, Fuda cancer hospital in China held a press meeting at the Manila Polo Club, hosted by the Friends of Fuda volunteer organization.  The purpose of this event was to help our local media learn more about what Fuda is, does, and how it can be of service to persons affected by cancer in our country.  The Fuda president also made a very important announcement, designating Mr. Edward Puno as the Philippine Coordinator of Fuda.  In that capacity, Edward will be able to facilitate the flow of information to and from the hospital and persons with cancer in the Philippines who are interested in going to Fuda for treatment or consultation.  Congratulations to Fuda and Edward.  Together, we can provide more and better options for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Sept 17 was the very successful 3rd Silver Linings convention in Davao.  The brainchild of Icanserve Foundation’s Kara Magsanoc Alikpala, Silver Linings brings together persons affected by breast cancer for a day of talks, activities, workshops, food, and lots of fun and inspiring stories.  I was very fortunate to have taken part in this amazing event and I gave a talk on the role of family and friends in supporting persons with cancer, followed by a talk on how husbands cope.  Thanks and congratulation again to Kara and her fabulous “sisters” in Icanserve and Silver Linings.

On September 20, Carewell renewed its partnership with Bayer in conjunction with our very successful NEXPAP program.  This service offered by Bayer through Carewell enables persons with advanced kidney or liver cancers to avail of deeply discounted chemotherapy agents.  On behalf of our members, I would like to thank Bayer for partnering with us in our mission to improve the quality of life of persons with cancer and their loved ones.

Sept 20-23 was a flurry of media appearances for Carewell:  first, there was the guest spot on ANC’s Shoptalk.  Then there were “teleradyo” spots with DZMM, DZBB, and DZRH.  I was getting really DZ after a while!  The reason for this media frenzy was to get the word out about our fundraiser Bazaar at the Rockwell tent on Sept-24-25.  The Carewell SOUK! was a fun and successful project that created a lot of awareness about how people with cancer can live their lives fully amidst the challenges of the disease.  Again, we’d like to thank Rockwell, Rustan’s, Carlo Tanseco, all our vendors and patrons, and everyone who helped make the SOUK! possible.

Rounding out last month was our hugely enjoyable event: A Special Night with Lea.  On September 28, Lea Salonga, accompanied by her brother Gerard on the piano, regaled over 100 persons with songs ranging from Broadway classics to Barry Manilow, and even, yup, Lady Gaga!  Lea brought the house down when she sang our Carewell song! (Thanks again to Nonong Buencamino, Floy Quintos, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya for writing the song). 

This wonderful evening was just one perfect surprise after another: a fortunate break in the weather, the guest performance of a wonderful string ensemble, and – saving the best for last – an impromptu duet featuring Lea and Lopez Group boss, Piki Lopez!  Again, we’d like to thank Lea and Gerard, Cibo, Straits Wine Company, Rustans, Dely Fernandez , and Piki and Monina Lopez who all came together to make this fabulous evening possible.

Finally, October is upon us:  this month, we will be participating in the Bessie Legarda Foundation Pink Day on the 7th, Urban Ashram Manila’s fundraiser for Carewell on the 8th, and MLB Road Race Specialists’ October Run Festival 2011.

In November, I will be updating you from the US, as is my usual practice.  I will be in Boston meeting our partners, and in Washington, DC participating in the Cancer Support Community’s Affiliate Leadership Conference and Cancer Summit from November 2 to 5.  Stay tuned for our announcements regarding Carewell’s fun 5th anniversary celebration on Nov 30.

Until then, as always, remember to always Care well, every step of your way.

By the way, the 5th Anniversary issue of the Carewell magazine is available at our office now.  Come by and get your free copy!

Best,

Bobbit/Robert