House of Hope-Polaris Dawn: A Space of Hope for Kids with Cancer in Davao del Norte.

Davao City, Philippines — November 4, 2024 — What began as a heartfelt dream is now a towering reality. The House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc., in collaboration with the Davao Regional Medical Center, the Department of Health, and the historic Polaris Dawn mission, proudly unveiled a new three-story transient home for children battling cancer.

The official launching and blessing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, DRMC Doctors and Staff, including House of Hope President Ambassador Minda Cruz, who shared the foundation’s rallying cry, “Together, we can do so much for the children.” Fundraising Chair Arleen Aportadera and Founding President and Chief Executive Program Director Dr. Mae Dolendo also stood united in their commitment to changing the future for these young warriors. Dr. Dolendo, a tireless advocate, emphasized that cancer is curable and stressed the importance of giving children a fair chance at life. “We can’t let cancer steal their childhood,” she remarked. This momentous event was also supported by Soroptimist International, Tagum Chapter headed by President Lucila Rubinos, Rotary Club of Tagum Golden LACES, led by Pres. Marieth Baura and Rotary Club of Tagum North with Pres. Eduardo Dinglasan, Jr.

One of the major highlights of the day was the announcement of Polaris Dawn’s generous gift which a portion led to what now stands as the House of Hope - Polaris Dawn. From the design and build of CZ Architects, this facility can accommodate up to 50 children and carers, in a comfortable and hygienic environment while cancer treatment is ongoing. What started as a donation of five (5) Starlink satellites, part of a global initiative by POLARIS DAWN with ALSAC, which selected five (5) countries from ten (10) shortlisted countries to benefit from these advanced communication tools. House of Hope is now supported with eight (8) Starlink terminals, offered for free and guaranteed for ten years, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for the community.

The messages delivered in the program were full of inspiring stories. As the book “Kisses from Space” by Polaris Dawn Astronaut Anna Menon and Keri Vasek reads “…..the bright, shinning Earth that holds all of you….” and how cancer has touched each of our lives in one way or another. And how we all take part in this mission, together.

Mindanao, known for housing some of the nation’s most impoverished provinces, has long been in need of better access to health care. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of life and education for children undergoing treatment and create a future where no child loses hope because of cancer. Thanks to these efforts, HOH survival rates, once at a mere 10%, after twenty (20) years of service have risen to an encouraging 60% improvement.

Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Dolendo said the path was guided. It is more than an accident that Polaris means North Star and this 5th House of Hope facility is built in Davao del Norte. Likened to pieces of a puzzle that fits together, a road, to a single purpose of providing cure and saving children’s lives.

Where the early days of 3 hospital beds was “suntok sa buwan” — reaching for the seemingly impossible. Yet, with determination and hope, the dream has taken flight, proving that aiming for the moon can indeed lead to landing among the stars.