Laughter Therapy with Paolo

The afternoon of October 26 marked the first pilot Palliative Care Empowering activity as invited volunteers learned from Laughter Yoga master Mr. Paolo Trinidad. The positive effects of laughter on one’s body, mind and spirit were shared along with techniques on how to do genuine belly laughter, among the group composed of nurses, therapists, church volunteers and the senior citizens organization officers of our pilot community. The event was hosted by gracious Muntinlupa City fire marshal Chief Insp. Roy Aguto and from the training session held at the fire station, the group proceeded to the basketball court of Filinvest Housing, to apply what they had learned among the seniors of the community.

CARE PLAN Pilot

A sample of what is to become the mainstay service of the foundation was done throughout one week. Care interventions shared were therapeutic massage, nursing rounds, spiritual care and companionship, culminating in group laughter therapy. The week’s experienced was processed and shall serve as one of the guides and measures for what is to come in 2013. More importantly however, we were able to already share care, dignity and hope to two men with end stage renal failure, a elderly with metastatic lung cancer, two bed ridden stroke patients. Along with this, their families were encouraged and empowered.

Honoring through Remembering

Embracing grief care and as essential aspect of Palliative and Hospice Care ,The Ruth Foundation marked their first event sponsorship – “Honoring Through Remembering”, held a Asian Hospital and Medical Center in partnership with the Supportive and Home Care Unit-Department of Occupational and Family Medicine. The event was attended by families whose recently experienced the passing away of a loved-one and was graced by inspirational guest speaker Ms. Cathy Babao Guballa– author and family /grief counselor who shared her own journey through grief, echoing the message that one should not face this journey alone. All those present took part in a simple but meaning sunset ritual of remembrance though the releasing of balloons on which were tied messages of honoring to their loved-one who had passed on.