March is Child Life Month. This is when hospitals around the world have the opportunity to highlight Child Life Specialists and the Child Life profession. This was how we celebrated Child Life Month 2019.
Kythe Flying 2019
One of the main events we look forward to every Child Life Month is the Annual Kite Flying event. On March 9, 2019 (Saturday), more than 50 children with cancer and chronically-ill patients from the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, AFP Medical Center and National Children’s Hospital, went to Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City, and were treated to an afternoon of fun and games.
The event was a chance for patients to bond with representatives from various corporate sponsors, namely: Cormant Technologies, Edsa Shangrila Manila, Esquire Financing, New World Manila Bay Hotel, Sun Life Foundation, Teleperformance, Telus and Telus Fitibit. Each company was assigned to a small group of children. The corporate sponsors had an opportunity to play, create art, take lots of photos and of course, fly kites together.
Select school organizations including UP FLCD Circle, UP Prep and British School Manila supported the event by providing activity booths for the children to enjoy. Various food booths were likewise set-up for everyone’s enjoyment. We thank 7-Eleven, Mr. Softy, Potato Corner, Tim Hortons and Waters Philippines. A surprise confetti shower capped off the event. Children went home with bags full of treats, and high spirits.
Volunteer’s Day Pool Party
Kythe Volunteer’s Day was held on March 16, 2019 at the 42SB Pool Party Venue. The day was spent learning fun group games (which the volunteers could use during hospital visits). There was a raffle of fun prizes, an awarding of outstanding volunteers, and buffet lunch for all to enjoy. The venue had amenities such as billiards, karaoke and swimming pool, so the volunteers had an opportunity to unwind and relax. Our Child Life Coordinators, patients and parents from the National Children’s Hospital made the event more memorable by dedicating a song entitled “Salamat” for all the love and support of our dear volunteers.
Kythe Cebu Teen Prom
One of the most important days in a teen’s life is prom night. A teen looks forward to this day when girls are all dressed-up in their gowns, while the boys are in their best coat and tie. However, for teens with cancer and chronic illnesses, this occasion often remains a dream. Treatment, procedures, and hospital confinements get in the way of a teen-ager’s life.
On March 16, 2019, what seemed to be a fantasy turned into a reality as Kythe-Cebu hosted the very first Teens Prom. Twenty-three teens gathered to enjoy the night, away from the hospital environment, and just danced the night away.
To all our Kythebigans who helped us realize this dream, daghang salamat! It was indeed an enchanted night for our teens.
Doctor for a Day
A four-year old patient with leukemia checks on his patient. Dr. Ermie Ann Acharon, a fellow in the Hematology-Oncology Department at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. Another patient with leukemia drew blood from nurse Shane. Therapeutic play allowed these children to express and familiarize themselves with medical procedures which made the hospital a place where they can learn, play and grow.
