Kicking off Kythe’s activities for April on a high note was the holding of the very first Survivors’ Day — an event that celebrated the journeys and victories of former Kythe hospital, now cancer survivors and alumni from treatment. The event took place last April 2 at the Grade School Cafetorium in Miriam College, Katipunan, with a colorful “superhero” theme.
The program was very survivor-driven, featuring the core team of Kythe Kuyas and Ates Rudy Labata, Aivy Fausto, Janine Taguinod, Charm Mercado, Sherwin Taghoy, Alfred Nuay, Carmina Lyn Gomez, JJ Garcia, Jayson Rosanes, and Joemar Ramiro. They were supported by Kythe Executive Director Girlie Garcia Lorenzo, Dr. Angie Sievert-Fernandez, Kai Rivera, Ninin Sumpaico-Jose, Bec Aguilar, Christine Liclican, Juliet Reyes, Larissa Ramos, and April Palomo, and board member Mr. William Bayot.
Tears were shed the moment that each survivor introduced themselves onstage, starting with the age that they were diagnosed, their diagnosis, and their current age. While they shared, photos were shown to document their struggles with cancer in the past, and their healthier, happier lives in the present.
In a forum moderated by Ms. Girlie-Garcia Lorenzo, two of the survivors, an oncologist, a social worker, and a Kythe parent all shared their experiences in relation to the survivors’ course of treatment.
The day ended with a small group discussion among the survivors. They were then asked to mold symbolsout of clay to represent their situation and outlook in their lives now. The survivors made clay figures of the Cross, the Bible, and bridges, among others, to show that they still pondered on the difficulties of their ordeal,but at the same they were grateful to God that they now live free from the illness.
Kythe’s Survivors’ Program was established to help former patients finish their studies and fully integrate into mainstream society. Survivors’ Day is a special event to celebrate the challenges they have overcome, as well as a future where they can be.