Asian Hospital to hold holistic healing workshop for cancer patients

For most people, the New Year ushers in new opportunities to celebrate life. For cancer patients, it offers renewed hope for a healthier life as medical institutions such as the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) continue to develop and introduce programs that help empower patients to fight a dreaded disease.

To commemorate National Cancer Consciousness Week, AHMC is one with the Department of Health ( DOH) in “Moving As One” (MAO), a communitybased cancer prevention advocacy program. It is a prelude to the World Cancer Day Celebration on Feb. 4, an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. This movement aims to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. The Cancer Institute Foundation, a UICC member through the MAO pushes this advocacy.

As a launch project of MAO in the South, AHMC, through its Gynecologic Oncology Unit Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , is mounting “Art, Music, and Dance for Life- A Holistic Approach to Healing,” its first-ever recreational workshop for cancer patients, survivors, health care providers and advocates to be held on Jan. 26, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Tower 2 of Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Encompassing the Filipino values of unity and fellowship, The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Home Care, Project Pink, Asian Gynecology and Oncology Group (AGOG), CECAP Cervical Cancer Prevention Network, OK Muntinlupa, and the Cancer Prevention Network came together in forming the workshop to promote emotional and psychological healing among patients before, during and after cancer diagnosis. Participating groups include, The Woodrose Artrageous Club, AME Southridge Admirals Musical Ensemble, La Salle Contemporary Dance Club, The Los Baños Horticulture Garden Club, Broadway Singers Sharon Hernandez and Dave Vicente, and AME’s Violinist Harry Kim.

“Art, Music, and Dance for Life” focuses on the elements that will have a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit. The half day workshop will also feature varied discussions and performances from healthcare practitioners as well as cancer survivors for the participants to understand their conditions in a positive light.

AHMC is the first private hospital to partner with MAO. “We want Asian Hospital to be more than a medical center for our patients, especially those admitted in our cancer ward. We want them to feel at home-a healing place. All the efforts of our partner communities, organizations and volunteers contribute to uplifting the spirit of the sick and saving more lives,” said Asian Hospital and Medical Center president and CEO, Andres Licaros Jr.

Limited seats are available and interested parties are requested to preregister for the workshop. For event preregistration and inquiries, call AHMC at 7719000 8415 and look for Judy Zoleta; or visit www.asianhospital.com. To get daily updates from AHMC, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AsianHospitalOfficial ; or follow them on Twitter at @asianhospital.