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.
A Wound Care Seminar, sponsored by Calmoseptine and the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET), of which The Ruth Foundation is a member, was held last May 19-22, 2014 at the Eurotel in Malate. The seminar was divided into Basic and Intermediate modules, and brought together the Calmoseptine Team from Canada, Dubai, and the Philippines, as well as clinical professionals from the UP -PGH, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Perpetual, and USAID. Participants were introduced to the Calmoseptine brand for wound care across all ages, and were taught basic skin and wound care methods for the generalist health care professional. Appropriate chronic wound preventative measures were also demonstrated at the seminar.
TRF and the Project Pink cancer support group launched the art exhibit Colors, last March 30, 2014 at the Palms Country Club in Alabang. The exhibit was attended by friends and supporters of both TRF and Project Pink, and featured the paintings of cancer survivors, patients, doctors, volunteers, caregivers, among others. Proceeds of the exhibit will go to fund the new Project Pink campaign known as Stage Zero — which aims to provide emotional and psychological support to cancer survivors and the caregivers, and to assist in the dissemination of cancer information to educate people about cancer, particularly the financially disadvantaged.
Copyright Aly Reyes.
A few paintings from this exhibit might still be available. Please contact TRF’s Care Coordinator, Mikee Pasaporte, at +632 808 6079 for inquiries.
The Ruth Foundation partnered with The Asian Hospital’s Department of Occupational and Family Medicine for “Dispelling Myths through Palliative Care Education: An ELNEC Training Course”, held last October 12, 2013, at the Asian Hospital in Alabang. The event was held in celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day — a “unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world.” The crash course was attended by doctors, nurses and caregivers, and gathered specialists such as Dr. Rumalie Corvera (Symptom Management), Dr. Roy Cuison (Ethics), Dr. Paul Nierva (Culture and Spirituality), and Dr. Maria Yamomoto (Communication) among others. A related event “Dispelling the Myths through Partnerships and Integration,” was also held on October 15 in the same venue. Invited guest speakers included Dr. Sue Marsden, Dr. Rhodora Ocampo, Ms. Eloi De Leon, and Dr. Manuel Medina. The event ended with the art exhibit “Painting My Feelings & Insights while Gaining Victory Over Cancer”, featuring the works of the Project Pink support group and other cancer survivors.
TRF joins the massive effort to bring relief and aid to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Over 6,000 people are feared to have died and millions are left with damage to their homes and without electricity after the typhoon devastated parts of the Visayas in November 8. With the help of volunteers, the TRF team packed medicine, food , and clothing donated by benefactors and friends. On November 18, these thirty (30) tons of goods were distributed to some 3,150 families of five affected barangays in Iloilo City in Panay. According to TRF Program Director Dr. Mae Corvera, “These initial efforts are but dots on the map of compassion lighting up all over the country and world at this very moment, for Yolanda’s victims. But with the support that has been entrusted to the foundation, we will continue on our humble way – now focusing on contributing to long-term rehabilitative relief measures.”
TRF is looking at future trips to Panay to oversee the delivery of more building tools and materials as well as medicines and supplies to key health units in the area. “Potentially, in line with the competencies of the foundation we are also looking into organizing efforts for training of health and social workers on the field in psychological relief and grief care,” Corvera said.
