Soft- Launch: Leadership For HOPE Certificate Program

written by: Mikee Pasaporte

Last Friday, March 13, 2015, The Ruth Foundation in partnership with the Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the Philippine Cancer Society, soft-launched the Leadership For HOPE Certificate Program. Among the fusion of attendees from different fields that evening were professionals from the medical field, pharmaceutical field, the academe and frontrunners of various foundations here in the Philippines.

This certificate course program serves to strengthen core competencies among primary and secondary health care providers by equipping them with knowledge and skill to extend care within and beyond the hospital setting.

Dr. James “Jim” Cleary, a palliative care physician at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and the Director of Pain and Policy Studies Group at the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Center for Pain Policy and Palliative Care, shared his thoughts on the Gaps in End-of-Life Care with the group.

A challenge was posed by Dr. Mae Corvera to the group to cap it off: a challenge to join efforts through partnerships, participation and sponsorship, towards a greater good — a greater goal of making hospice care education and training available to more potential hospice care providers.

The HAPPY ROOM Project

In 2013, The Ruth Foundation’s Happy Room Project benefited some sixteen indigent patients from Cavite and Muntinlupa. TRF staff, nurses and volunteers worked together to transform the patients’ bedrooms or personal living spaces which were often dark, decrepit, and unsanitary. The work involved thorough cleaning, minor repairs, the installation of new and cheerful curtains and often times even bathing and grooming of the patients. The project embodies the truth that even in these small ways, a patient’s quality of life can be improved, and their dignity can be restored. Follow-up visits have been scheduled and a new batch of beneficiaries of the Happy Room Project are being identified for 2015.

Caring Carols: 2014 Gift Giving

Our Christmas Gift-Giving started in December 2013. We would go to identified patients enrolled in The Ruth Foundation’s program and give them a small token– Danish cookies in a tin can. This year we followed through with this Christmas tradition, but with a sweet addition of singing Christmas carols. The song Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo, was chosen and rendered by Nurse AJ, Nurse Emma, our volunteers and the OJTs of Trimex Colleges. This activity is a small way of sharing the blessings that The Ruth Foundation has received throughout the year from generous benefactors.

Trimex OJTs with Nurse AJ singing Christmas Carols

“This small act of kindness reminds them that they are loved, cared for and that the true meaning of Christmas is HOPE. Hope for comfort; hope for healing; and hope that, through their life’s journey, they are not alone.” – Nurse Carlo

Hope Reunites

Written By: Mikee Pasaporte

Growing up, I strongly believed that my mom had special powers. She could kiss away the pain of my little finger that got stuck between the cookie jar and its cover. Her hugs could ease the hurt I’d feel from fighting with my best friend. When she strokes my head when it aches, the pain weakens. So I believe that it is true that you are never too old to yearn for you mother.

Avelina, a 50-year old patient of The Ruth Foundation for almost 2 years, diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer with bone metastasis, had the same yearning in December. In the midst of pain, she had wished to face death instead and decided to refuse medication and food. She grew weak and moody, though she had hoped for one specific request…to see her mother, who was incarcerated in Muntinlupa’s City Jail for the past 5 years.

The process for this particular request is quite taxing. From writing a letter to the jail’s warden (who responded with approval but requested that we get a Regional Trial Court order) to corresponding with Judge Aguinaldo after the Christmas break. To expedite the process and by God’s grace, our social worker, Ms. Lira handed it in person and on the same day, the 2-hour provisional visit was approved.

On January 9, 2015, Avelina’s request was granted. Along with 5 of her siblings, children, grandchildren and neighbors, who were already prepared by our nurses, Avelina was able to spend time with her mother for more than an hour.

After the visit, our nurses assessed changes with Avelina. She now has a positive outlook on life; she now eats heartily and she doesn’t refuse medication.

“Patients have pain. ‘Di lang gamot ang nakakagamot. Love comforts and a strong support system is vital. A mother’s touch is truly important.” –Ms. Lira

Hope truly does reunite.

Meditation and Spiritual Healing Workshop

written by: Mikee Pasaporte

TRF held its first Meditation and Spiritual Healing Workshop last April 12, 2014,  at the foundation headquarters in Muntinlupa. Led by Dr. Paul Nierva and the TRF staff, the workshop gathered patient-active and trainee volunteers, and is one component of the foundation’s holistic approach to patient care. During the workshop, the volunteers participated in group dynamics, a question and answer session, and a sharing of their various experiences as volunteers.