House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc

Purposeful Heart: Dinner for a Cause

Night of Generosity and Commitment for Kids Battling Cancer

Davao City – The House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc. (HOHFKCI) hosted its highly anticipated Dinner for Hope last October 18, 2024, at Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City, a grand celebration marking two decades of service and compassion for children fighting cancer in Mindanao. Over 600 guests gathered in support of the foundation’s mission to provide hope and holistic care for pediatric cancer patients, especially those from disadvantaged communities.

The evening was a heartwarming and elegant affair, filled with delicious cuisine, inspiring performances, and most notably, moving stories of survival and resilience from the children and families whose lives have been touched by the foundation. The event was graced by Ambassador Mindy Cruz, president of the foundation, and Dr. Mae Dolendo, the esteemed founder and a leading figure in pediatric oncology in the Philippines. Together, they expressed their deep gratitude to the supporters and sponsors who have helped sustain the foundation’s mission over the years.

The Growing Challenge of Childhood Cancer

Cancer remains the leading cause of death for children worldwide. The survival rates vary drastically depending on where a child is treated. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured. However, in low- and middle-income countries, the cure rate drops to less than 30%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, the situation is even more drastic—66% of children are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, and the abandonment of treatment is as high as 80%, leading to survival rates of less than 20%.

Every year, approximately 3,500 Filipino children are expected to develop cancer. That equates to about 10 new diagnoses every day. In Mindanao, barriers such as limited access to specialist care, poverty, lack of awareness, and geographical isolation make it even harder for children to receive the treatment they need.

This stark reality was emphasized by Dr. Dolendo in her keynote speech. “This is something I can help with especially to the children from

Mindanao that’s why I came back home from my practice in Singapore. The children who come to us face unimaginable odds, but it is our duty to give them the best chance possible. For 20 years, House of Hope has been a refuge and a bearer of hope for these children and their families.”

A Legacy of Compassion and Hope

Founded in 2004 as the Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc., the House of Hope Foundation has since evolved into a cornerstone of pediatric cancer care in Mindanao. Through its Kids of Hope Program, the foundation offers a holistic, child-centered, and multidisciplinary approach to treatment, addressing not only the medical needs of the children but also their financial, emotional, and psychosocial well-being. The foundation has also been instrumental in transforming the Southern Philippines Medical Center into a center of excellence for childhood cancer treatment, as recognized under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act of 2019.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation has seen remarkable progress. In 2020, the number of pediatric cancer patients accessing care dropped to 268 due to restrictions. However, by 2023, that number had risen to 527, reflecting the foundation’s relentless efforts to ensure that no child is left untreated.

An Evening of Gratitude and Purpose

As the foundation celebrated its 20th year of service, Ambassador Cruz took the stage to thank the hundreds of attendees and supporters who have stood by their cause. “We are deeply grateful for each one of you who has shared in this mission of hope. The work we do is not possible without the generous hearts that have answered our prayers. May you be blessed with abundance, joy, and peace for the purposeful and meaningful lives you lead.”

The night was filled with heartfelt moments, including performances from local artists Ann Quitoriano Casteel, Wilver & JR Oclarit, Sessions, Song writer of Purposeful Heart and host - Rovic Cuasito, a presentation how the Foundation developed through the years, the presence of the children with their carers, testimonials from survivors, doctors, Board Members, and opportunities for attendees to make contributions that would directly benefit children undergoing treatment. Many guests were moved to donate and pledge their continued support to House of Hope’s cause.

A Vision for the Future

As HOHFKCI looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to bring hope, promote better survival rates, and achieve holistic care for children with cancer through advocacy, research, and environmental protection. The foundation’s vision is to Bring Hope, Live Life, and Attain Cure, with core values rooted in compassion, excellence, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to fight and win against cancer.

Reflecting on the night, Dr. Dolendo remarked, “This is not our work, this is God’s work to help cure the children with cancer. This evening is not just about raising funds. It’s about raising hope. It’s about reminding ourselves and the world that every child, no matter where they come from, deserves a fighting chance.”

As the dinner concluded, the sense of solidarity and purpose in the room was palpable. The Dinner for Hope was not only a celebration of the foundation’s 20-year journey but a powerful reminder that, with the collective effort of a community, hope can indeed be the greatest gift we offer, a purposeful heart.

The House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer continues to be a lifeline for children in Mindanao, standing firm in its mission to transform the landscape of pediatric cancer care in the Philippines. Through the tireless dedication of its staff, the generosity of its supporters, and the resilience of the children it serves, the foundation is creating a future where no child’s battle with cancer is fought alone.