Rotary's 'Gift of Life' program launched in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – Less fortunate children who are suffering from congenital heart-disease may now see a new light and will be given a chance to live a normal life.

Two of the original Rotary Clubs in Cebu-the Rotary Club of Cebu and the Rotary Club of Cebu West-spearheaded the program called "Gift of Life," which will focus on children with congenital heart diseases. The program was formally launched yesterday.

Gift of Life is one of the many projects that the Rotary Club has done to help the community. But according to the officials of the group here in Cebu, this program stands out, as its purpose is to save lives.

Yesterday, the Rotary Club signed a memorandum of agreement with Cebu Doctors' University Hospital as its partner for the implementation of the project.

The patients or the beneficiaries of the program will be brought and operated at the hospital, which will bill them the lowest price possible. Several volunteer doctors have also offered their services for free. By this, the program will be able to help more children and save more lives.

John Pages, president of the Rotary Club of Cebu West and Joe Soberano, president of the Rotary Club of Cebu, said they will provide the funding for the operations.

"We are raising funds to fund the expenses involve kay dako man ni expenses sa kani na particular na disease," Pages said.

Dr. Peter Mancao, the head of the Philippine Heart Association-Cebu Chapter and his team of heart surgeons, are offering their services for free.

The program is specifically for children who are suffering from a congenital heart disease or what they called "blue babies."

According to Pages, because of these congenital heart-disease problems, there is very slim chance for these affected children to live long.

Rotary Club officials said they are targeting to operate three patients before the end of the year. The operations of the three children are funded by the Gift of Life-New York.

Pages said next year, they are hoping to operate one or more patients a month. (FREEMAN)