Article from Manila Bulletin, Oct. 23, 2006.
Let us help in saving the lives of these children...
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/10/23/YTCP2006102377786.html
More than a decade of saving lives
Leukemia is the most common of all childhood cancers. Despite available treatment, it remains the fifth killer disease in the country.
The long and costly treatment for leukemia patients, especially those from poor families, puts a heavy burden not just on the family savings but also on their emotions.
Leukemia is the most common of all childhood cancers. Despite available treatment, it remains the fifth killer disease in the country according to the Department of Health’s (DOH) 2005 Health Advisory. Poverty largely plays culprit to the high mortality incidence.
The late Dr. Alendry Caviles Jr. saw the woeful plight of indigent children diagnosed with leukemia. In 1995, together with volunteer doctors, cured leukemics, their friends and families, he formed the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (l.i.f.e). The non-stock, non-profit foundation oversees the sustained medical treatment of patients under its care and also provides them the optimum moral and spiritual support towards their full recovery.
Through continuous support from friends and donors, the foundation is able to implement its mission. Hallmark for l.i.f.e, a tie-up between l.i.f.e. and Filstar Distributors Corporation, the country’s licensee of the classic Hallmark greeting cards, is one of the successful projects initiated for this cause.
The Hallmark for l.i.f.e. Christmas cards are special not only because these are produced to benefit impoverished patients but also because the covers feature artwork by Filipino artists who have generously lent their talent for the project. Their masterpieces portray the gaiety and solemnity the Yuletide season brings.
Past artists for this annual fundraising effort include former President Corazon Aquino; painter, sculptor, book illustrator Manuel Baldemor; renowned artist Mario Malang Santos; photographer Harold Tapan; and famed painters Jose "Pitok" Bianco and Orville Tiamson.
For its 11th year, the 2006 collection showcases the labor of love of 11 artists: Jovito Andres, Remy Boquiren, Rolan Lalantacon, Dr. Dan Lerma, Ambhet Lugtu, Jes Peliño, Nani Reyes, Bing Reyes, Rianne Hill Soriano, Platon Varquez, and Mamert Ronan Yñigo, in depicting various Christmas scenes in the Philippine setting.
The Christmas season highlights the celebration of life and gift-giving. Hallmark for l.i.f.e., for 11 years already, continues to live up to this message through its greeting cards that not only captures the wonderful sights and colors of the season but also conveys its meaning by giving leukemic children a second chance at life.
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