Pfizer, Perpetual Succour support kids with cancer

CEBU - The Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. has partnered with Perpetual Succour Hospital in establishing the Kythe Child Life Program to give support to cancer-striken and chronically-ill pediatric patients.

Kythe Child Life Program gives psychosocial therapy to children to help them cope with the stress and anxiety of being in the hospital. Kythe is derived from the Scottish word that means healing through simple sharing and togetherness.

The program aims to improve the quality of life of children by inspiring hope among those confined at the Perpetual Succour Hospital, said Shalom Rea Varquez, Kythe Inc. Child Life Coordinator. The program also aims to promote normal growth and development in a health care setting.

At present, there are 41 pediatric patients with cancer confined at Perpetual Succour.

Child life specialists that run the program specifically educate the patients and their families about the illness and prepare them for medical procedures. Likewise, emotional support is being given to both parents and siblings.

Among the daily interventions include talking with the kids, reading them bed time stories and integrating with patients through playing. The program also includes a monthly ‘Celebrate Life Party’ for all the child patients.

Likewise, child patients would be made to participate in fun skills training like pizza making and cookie designing to enhance their developmental skills.

Last August 9, the Pfizer Cebu Team held a special outreach program to the 18 young cancer patients confined at Perpetual Succour Hospital for a day of fun and party. 

Brian Codina, Oncology Specialist and over-all head of the Pfizer Cebu Team said their aim is to let the children experience the real essence of celebrating life.

Sister Lucilla Perpiñan, Manager and Counselor of the Cebu Cancer Institute, said the establishment of Kythe Child Life Program was a dream came true. She said partnership with Pfizer was the unique way of featuring cancer activities she had been aiming to discover.

“Because the Kythe is sustained by donations from the employees of Pfizer who commit themselves in community service while interacting with children and parents and understanding and sharing burden,” she said. — Jessica Ann Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)