The gift of hearing for child cancer patients
We are channels of blessings,” said Sheila Romero as she led members of I Want to Share Foundation (IWTS) and the media at the recent turnover of hearing aid devices to pediatric cancer patients of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The collaboration between IWTS and the Manila Hearing Aid had been in the works for three months. The first 10 of 30 child beneficiaries received their hearing aid during a ceremony on Oct. 29 at the Sakura Tower of Proscenium in Makati City.
“Of course, we cannot help everyone. But in our own small way, we are able to give happy memories to them,” said Romero, who is IWTS founder and CEO. “These hearing aids cost between P30,000 to P80,000. This is because they are personalized. They are calibrated depending on the child’s hearing requirements. The kids will have to return to the PGH for fine tuning.”
After the turnover of 30 units, IWTS will pay for more devices as part of its survivorship program.
Three developments
IWTS has been helping the Pedia Hema-Onco department of the PGH since 2015 by funding the needs of its patients, such as MRI tests and medicines, as well as the stipends of its admin staff and nurses.
“This is the first time that we are doing survivorship. As a survivor myself, I’m aware that more tests are needed for the next five years for every patient. A lot of the kids don’t go back for them anymore. The MRI scan and PET-CT scan already cost so much if you aren’t able to get them for free. We know that there’s still so much to do to help the children,” Romero told Lifestyle.
In a media huddle after the turnover ceremony, she reported three important developments in the foundation’s efforts to help patients. First is the creation of a Childhood Cancer Helpline, and the funding of a bone marrow transplant wing at the PGH. Lastly, there’s IWTS’ recent accreditation by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a world-renowned leader in the fight against childhood cancer and catastrophic diseases.
The Childhood Cancer Helpline aims to aid in the early detection of cancer, avoiding misdiagnosis, and preventing the abandonment of treatment, Romero explained. “I heard one parent say, ‘We went to the wrong doctor.’ With the helpline, we hope to avoid instances like this. It’s bad enough that you have very little money for hospitalization. Spending on the wrong doctor and getting the wrong diagnosis are the worst. This is really important because cancer grows fast.”
With the helpline, patients will no longer line up at the PGH for appointments. “This is Phase 2. If you’re from Baguio, for example, either there’s a hospital there where you can go to for initial screening, or a barangay health worker from your LGU (local government unit) can do this for you. They will then call PGH to make an appointment, and you can just go at your scheduled time,” she explained.
‘Done deal’
The PGH Cancer Institute is currently putting up a bone marrow transplant wing, through funding from the government, as well as from nongovernmental organizations like the IWTS.
“It’s an antiseptic room where they will have the procedure done. We’ve saved P7.5 million to fund two rooms during our last charity ball,” said Romero, referring to a charity gala held in September 2023 that featured designers like Mark Bumgarner, Rajo Laurel, Andrea Tetangco, Avel Bacudio, and Martin Bautista.
“But after a meeting with the medical director, I learned that construction will cost less than P20 million. I said I know that with God’s grace we can fund this. So, two weeks ago, I informed them that this is already a ‘done deal.’ This wing at the PGH will be built for sure,” she declared.
The foundation’s accreditation by the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital means the Philippines will finally be given access to better medical care abroad. “It’s a badge,” Romero pointed out. “We are the first in the country to be accredited as a foundation that champions childhood cancer. To be endorsed by this group legitimizes our status.”
Romero was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2020. When she recovered, she made it her life’s purpose to help others battle the disease, too.
“I always say this whenever I get the chance to speak publicly. While having my first chemo treatment, I heard a voice in a dream. It said, ‘Do not be afraid. I will heal you, but you have to talk about it.’ It took me a year to do this, because my husband is a public servant and I didn’t want my experience to be linked to politics. I’ve been helping patients for years by raising funds for them, but I have never seen what happens during chemotherapy sessions. Personally experiencing it was really life-changing,” she recalled.
Cancer should not have to be a death sentence, Romero pointed out. “Sad to say, there are so many children who don’t make it. In our last gala alone, five out of 20 of those who walked the ramp passed on. But then we know, at that moment, we gave them quality time. To be able to create happy memories for them is a big deal,” she declared.
