House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc

Survivors Day 2024: A Celebration of Hope and Courage, the real Superheroes.

House of Hope Foundation for Children with Cancer celebrated its annual Survivors Day on December 8, 2024, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel. This year’s event was a momentous occasion, highlighting fun and the unrelenting force of the real superheroes in our modern world. Gathering over 386 registered patients and their carers, along with an estimated 1,000 participants, a testimony of hope and courage.

A Decade of Hope and Progress

House of Hope, which began with a humble start of just 14 children, has now become a haven of hope for hundreds of young cancer warriors. In 2004, the survival rate for childhood cancer in the Philippines was a grim 10%, and the foundation operated from a mere four beds. Today, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the House of Hope team and the generous support of donors and partners, the survival rate has soared to an impressive 60%.

A Day of Joy and Inspiration

The Survivors Day event was a vibrant celebration of life, courage, and resilience. This was established in 2007 for all children diagnosed with cancer. This event also welcomes patients who have discontinued treatment, in the hopes of encouraging and offering them inspiration to resume their care by hearing and seeing the powerful stories of other survivors.

The Survivors Day 2024 featured a range of activities for children and their families, including:

Interactive Activities: A Captivating garden pavilion offered photo booths, food carts, and engaging games.
Entertainment: A variety of performers, including stilt walkers, cosplayers, acrobats, and singers, kept the audience entertained.
Inspirational Messages: Heartwarming speeches from House of Hope Vice President Roy Cresensio Linao Jr., cancer survivor Ivy Lorraine Lino, Senator Bong Go and House of Hope Ambassador President Ma. Victoria Jimenez inspired attendees

Community Support : The event showcased the generosity of the community, with gift-giving ceremonies and the turnover of proceeds from the MOB 2024 event by LYR Group of companies President Frederick Rubinos. Kudos Trucking Corporation, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Expedition Mining Blasting Drilling INC, The Mayors City Office who also distributed Gift Certificates and Christmas presents, Filipino American Cancer Care, SM Department Store, LuxMed Aesthetics and Wellness Clinic, Bioskin Philippines Ma. Victoria Evangelista, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, PWC - High School batch ‘63, NutriAsia, Khishaels Events and Concepts, LED OSVM One Stop Video Making, Ken Howell Multimedia Services, Arthrift, VIBE multimedia production, Boots on the ground, Neliza Nandwani, Claudette Chui, Rachel Anne Du, Abdullah “Nonoy” Aquino, Maricris Espino and Family, Von & Vince Galupar, BF/77 Shell Service Station, Neneng Aledia, Angeles Atienza, Party Kart Davao, Drs. Rovic and Ethel Cuasito who donated gifts for the children. Grateful also to the participation of AQC performing arts by Ann Quintoriano Casteel, TeamCraft by Yen Pantujan.

Building a Brighter Future

House of Hope Foundation remains committed to its mission of providing comprehensive care with the multidisciplinary team of doctors to support the children with cancer. The organization's recent expansion to a satellite facility in Mati under the Polaris Dawn Program underscores its dedication in the 5 centers reaching more children in need within the marginalized population of MIndanao.

By celebrating Survivors Day, House of Hope honors the courage of its young warriors and inspires hope for the future. It was heartwarming to see the children, who once faced the daunting battle against cancer, now thriving and full of life. Together, we can continue to save lives and build a world where no child is left behind in the fight against cancer.