ICanServe Foundation marks 20th year with cancer summit
A person’s journey in battling an illness as serious as cancer, as well as their path to recovery, is a distressing ordeal. One will always be grateful for having someone to talk with and to hear words of encouragement.
On Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., ICanServe Foundation will stage the fourth installment of Silver Linings 2019, a summit for the Philippine cancer community, at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
The summit also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the ICanServe Foundation, which makes this year even more special.
To date, Silver Linings is the largest gathering not only for cancer survivors but also for their supporters including their friends, family and supportive medical team. It is an avenue where every individual is given an opportunity to forge friendships and partnerships with fellow “warriors,” and to give them courage and let them know that they don’t have to go through the journey alone.
This year, ICanServe gathered supporters and cancer survivors to share their personal statements on cancer with the hopes that they can be a silver lining to anyone who needs a glimmer of hope in their life.
Among those who gave their #MySilverLiningStory were Bibeth Orteza, Maan Hontiveros, Agot Isidro, Fr. Jerry Orbos, Len Cabili, James Deakin, Daphne Oseña-Paez, Julia Torres, and Caren Torres Rama, among others.
EDUCATE AND INSPIRE
With an aim to reach more survivors, past Silver Linings Summits were held not only in Metro Manila, but also in Cebu City and Davao City. This year, the summit will present interactive forums, which address the different needs of women cancer patients, their family, friends and supportive medical team; all of which range from personal, to medical to advocacy.
Some discussions involve sharing of general information like “Everything you need to know about breast cancer,” “Eating right,” “Where to find financial assistance,” “Meditation,” “Gentle Yoga,” and even “What’s in store for you in the new Cancer Law?”
Other topics focus on subjects such not its “Can one have children after cancer?” “How do cancer patients deal with a Stage 4 diagnosis?” “Does cancer run in my family?” “After cancer, what is my follow-up care?” “Anxiety and depression during cancer” and “Healing through storytelling.”
During the event, participants can avail of free X-rays, BMIs, doctor consultations, and many more activities.
Silver Linings is presented by Unilab, LifeScience, AC Health, Del Monte, Pfizer Philippines, Roche, the De Guzman group, The Good Seed, Bayo, New World Diagnostics and Parkway Cancer Center.
Registration fee is P500 to include meals.
Pre-registration can be done online at http://icanservefoundation.org/?page_id=4787 or https://www. eventbank.com/event/the-4th-silverlinings-2019-16245/; or you can register at the venue on Sept. 28.
For inquiries, call the Silver Linings hotline at 0915-068-4666.