Raising support for indigent breast cancer patients
The Kasuso Foundation is blessed with so many passionate and generous people who are committed to our advocacy
In a simple but meaningful gathering, the Kasuso Foundation celebrated its 19th anniversary by renewing its commitment to helping indigent Filipino patients receive quality and timely breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and care.
“We thank all our donors and partners who have stood by us and our advocacy through nearly two decades. Our foundation’s focus moving forward is to form connections and partnerships so that we can help more underserved communities in the country by spreading health awareness, particularly on breast care for women,” said Malu Cortez-Del Rosario, founding chair of Kasuso Foundation, during the foundation’s anniversary celebration held at Annabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City.
Proceeds raised from the Peninsula in Pink campaign were donated to Kasuso Foundation.
Established in January 2001, the Kasuso Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit, grassroots, volunteer-based organization, committed and dedicated to fight breast cancer and save lives. The foundation is the only patient advocate and support group that is based in a public hospital. It supports and assists patients of the Breast Care Center of the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. Its comprehensive Boobie Programs include Boobs Balita (patient education), Bantay Bukol (breast self-exam training and free breast screening), Bigay Buhavy (facilitates access to funding surgical, oncological and radiological services), Bukas Bintana (free counseling), Balik Breast Care Center (surveillance to improve treatment success and reduce lost to follow-up cases), Bahay Bisita (supportive home and end-of-life care), Buhay Bahay (a halfway house to support patients from far-flung provinces receive treatment in Metro Manila), and Boobie Barkada (promote fellowships among patients/survivors and their families/ caregivers).
“The Kasuso Foundation is blessed with so many passionate and generous people who are committed to our advocacy. Through their unstinting support, we are able to serve as a patient navigator that lays out the pathways for patients to journey through the entire breadth of the healthcare system continuum — from diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and follow-up,” Del Rosario said.
She expressed gratitude to The Peninsula Manila, one of the foundation’s longtime partners. In 2015, the five-star hotel hosted an exhibition of artworks by renowned Filipino artists such as BenCab, Plet Bolipata, Elmer Borlongan, Impy Pilapil, Ramon Orlina, industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue; and select pieces from some of the finest contemporary Filipino galleries. All the art pieces were auctioned at the Art of Pink Auction Party held by leading global auction house Christie’s. The creative theme “Art of Pink” aimed to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer in the Philippines. Proceeds raised from the Peninsula in Pink campaign were donated to Kasuso Foundation for the rehabilitation and rebuilding the Breast Care Center of East Avenue Medical Center.
Del Rosario lauded the Tulay sa Pag-unlad, Inc. (TSPI). “Through our three-year partnership, TSPI gave us the opportunity to extend our breast care and health advocacy among its members living in remote barangays across the archipelago from Cagayan to South Cotabato. We focused on creating networks and partnerships to help enhance TSPI members’ access to health services.”