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.

The Ruth Foundation: Advocates of Proper Wound Care

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.

July 2014 Featured Volunteer: Noemi Mamaril

TRF’s Volunteer of the Month for July is private duty nurse Normita “Noemi” Mamaril.

Q&A with NOEMI

How did you come to volunteer for TRF?

I came to know TRF through a Wound Care Seminar the foundation held in partnership with Calmoseptine.

What were your expectations as a volunteer?

To participate in wound care for the foundation’s referred patients in their homes.

Describe the activities you volunteered for, and why did you choose them?

Actually all activities done by the team are the same activities in the hospital, the only difference is the setting. Through this, my dream to give my time, loving care, and expertise for free with God at my side  came true.

What are your key reflections/lessons? How has the experience changed your life?

Well it was fruitful in the sense that from the first day I stepped into the TRF office it felt like I was part of the foundation for a long time. The doctors were kind and I felt that they appreciated whatever contribution I shared during house visits. It has changed my life a lot since the foundation deals with people from all walks of life yet whenever challenges occur in their journey they express it with tears flowing in their eyes uttering that God and Jesus will help them no matter how difficult it  is. That truly inspired me.

Thank you Noemi!

June 2014 Featured Volunteer: Edmar Elcarte

RF’s Volunteer of the Month for June is palliative nurse Edmar San Jose Elcarte.

Q&A with EDMAR

How did you come to volunteer for TRF?

My application as a volunteer of TRF was an accident. I remembered that day when I simply accompanied my best friend, AJ Amores to the TRF office to visit his friends. I was very curious about TRF and why it exists. After a few minutes in the TRF office, Nurse Badette and Miss Leng entered the room. AJ introduced me to them and we talked. Nurse Badette asked me, “Do you want to become volunteer of TRF?”. And I just answered her with a smile (I’m was actually just waiting for someone to invite me to join TRF, mostly out of curiosity) and this was the start of my journey as a volunteer of The Ruth Foundation. A blessing in disguise.

What were your expectations as a volunteer?

As a student and a youth leader molded by previous volunteer work, I did not have any expectations. For me, it is nicer not to expect because it just disappoints you if your expectations are unmet. I believe that life is full of surprises and mysteries. Expect the unexpected. Indeed, being a volunteer is not about what is expected, but it is all about what I can give and sacrifice even if there is nothing in return. It is not about the fame nor the recognition I can get, but what is more important is the smile on my patient’s face. I will just do whatever the work entails, as long as I am capable then I will give. Expect less. Do more.

Describe the activities you volunteered for, and why did you choose them?

I am volunteering as a palliative nurse doing home visits, documentation and office work. This sort of work makes me happy and productive. I really enjoyed doing home visits, especially while interviewing the patient, doing nursing care and making individualized nursing care plans for each patient. On the other hand, I also love doing office work because I am a perfectionist and a time-bound person. This makes me more productive in my free time after work and for other personal responsibilities. Moreover, I chose to volunteer for TRF to help individuals journeying in the terminal stages of their lives. As the head of hemodialysis unit, I am already well versed in the situations of patients with terminal conditions like Chronic Kidney Disease. Their experiences, family connections, emotions, and problems in finances. And this also motivates me to become a volunteer.

What are your key reflections/lessons? How has the experience changed your life?

Inspite of being a newbie, I had a great experience that was priceless. It is more about my self worth being a nursing professional and my inner happiness as a son of God. Maybe this is my perfect time to pay back for the blessings I had this past years. I hope through TRF, I can reach more who really need my help as a friend or even a brother. TRF helped me to realize that, wellness is beyond happiness and freedom from illness. It is more about the dimensional balance of a person in his physical-psychological-socioeconomical-and-spiritual wellbeing. At the end of every home visits there are learnings that are not being taught in school. The lessons of life that help us to face all the struggles in everyday living. I have learned that patients must be treated holistically, considering their wholeness and uniqueness. I have also learned that communication is a very important aspect in nursing management, utilizing the art of touch and empathy towards the patient. I have become more compassionate and sensitive to the feelings of my patients.

Thank you Edmar!