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.
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.
