Archive for September, 2010
Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines saves lives
The Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines successfully raises close to P2.9 million in donations and pledges in a Fundraising and Thanksgiving dinner held last September 25, 2010 at the Tower Club in Philamlife Building, Makati City.
The well-attended fundraising activity gathered a crowd of more than a hundred people including celebrity couples Congresswoman Lucy Torres and husband Richard Gomez, Taguig-Pateros Rep. Freddie Tinga, Rep. Tom Apacible and wife, and Samar Rep. Mel Sarmiento. The event which promised an evening of sumptuous dinner and entertainment from comedians Mitch Valdez and Mike Unson rounded up to deliver the much needed funds to saving the lives of children with hydrocephalus.
The Foundation’s goal was to get a pledge of P100 a day or $65/month for a year from guests. Each pledge amounting to P36,000 will help a child undergo a shunting procedure to correct his/her condition. The shunts are being done by Neurosurgeons Dr. Manny Cacdac and Dr. Joseph Errol Navarro.
Sponsors for the event include International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), SM Foundation, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and PAGCOR. Media sponsors include Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Philippine Star, 4th Media, Commuter Express, and Express Life.
Hydrocephalus has traditionally been referred to as “water on the brain.” It refers to the build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It can be congenital (acquired at birth) or acquired (occurs as a result of an event whether a disease, accident or infection).
Approximately one of every 1,000 babies is born with hydrocephalus. It is nearly always detected at or soon after birth. In the Philippines, children afflicted with hydrocephalus are not diagnosed early and have to wait a while for corrective surgery mainly due to poverty or lack of funds.
HFP was born to address the plight of these children. It was formed after Dr. Manny Cacdac, in one of his surgical missions in 2007, found out that there were more than 20 children waiting to be shunted through public service program KAPWA KO MAHAL KO. After a meeting with Harley and Debbie Sy of the SM Foundation, Dr. Cacdac started going back and forth to the Philippines to donate his time, effort and shunts that are donated to him, in order for these children to be operated on before their brain mantles are gone. Children will not live to be more than 4 or 5 yrs old unless their hydrocephalus is arrested.
You too can do your share in saving lives of children by referring children afflicted by this condition to the Foundation. If you want to extend your assistance by contributing to the Foundation’s medical and charity fund, you can contact HFP through telephone numbers 632-373-4084, email address info@HydrocephalusFoundation.org or visit their website hydrocephalusfoundation.org for more information.
Links to some videos:
- Bernardo Mitra Sr. shared how the Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines started, his passion for the cause, and appeal for support.
- Dr. Manny Cacdac gave an overview about Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines, children he operated on in the past, and the need for help in the organization.
- First beneficiary of Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines giving thanks to donors who helped out.
- The hardworking Czarina Sacaguing introduced initial beneficiaries of Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines and thank everyone for supporting the thanksgiving dinner.
Click on images for larger view.
