Kythe Foundation: 20 years of inspiration and hope

Manila, Philippines -  The Kythe Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization that specializes in providing psychosocial support for young children suffering from cancer and other chronic illnesses. The support is also extended to the family or caregivers of the patient, ensuring that the pain and anxiety that they are undergoing are somewhat alleviated.

Established over 20 years ago by Masters of Psychology students, Icar Castro and Maria Fatima “Girlie” Garcia-Lorenzo, the foundation has since supported more than 8,000 patients in 11 affiliated private and public hospitals in the country.

“Our Kythe Child Life Program is the only one accredited in the Philippines, putting us in the unique position to provide the type of compassionate care that is crucial to their well-being,” explained Garcia-Lorenzo. “As the name suggests, the KCLP is a program that utilizes different scientifically-proven methods to improve the quality of life of hospitalized children.”

At the core of the KCLP is the PETALS method, which includes preparation for medical procedures, education about the illness, therapeutic play, assistance during medical procedures, lend emotional support to patient and family, and finally, spiritual support.

“Each child is given individual attention by our volunteers and specialists. We encourage this type of interaction to further foster the proper environment for the child’s comfort,” said Garcia-Lorenzo.

Kythe derived from the Scottish word meaning ‘to manifest oneself. “The term was the very embodiment of our vision; to increase awareness of the Child Life program through education and research and to do this we encourage volunteerism,” said Garcia-Lorenzo. Kythe volunteers are expected to undergo orientation seminars to learn the ropes of caring for pediatric patients as well as the proper way to maintain a positive environment during the child’s hospitalization.

The Kythe Foundation also employs in each affiliated hospital a Child Life specialist with a Masters or Doctorate degree in Psychology or Counseling and those who are Registered Social Workers, further lending credibility to the organization’s ethos.

The Kythe Foundation also boasts a line-up of influential business people as members of their board, or as Garcia-Lorenzo lovingly calls them, “rock stars.”

By forging partnerships with various corporations, the foundation has been able to continue giving the kind of specialized pediatric care that they advocate. In return, big, small and medium-sized enterprises are able to instill in their employees the advantages of being involved in volunteer programs.

 This year, as the foundation celebrates its 20th year, it successfully holds a partners’ forum to thank various corporate donors for their continued support.