Foundever®, a global leader in customer experience (CX) solutions, brought smiles and support to young cancer warriors in Northern Luzon as it partnered with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for a special outreach event dedicated to pediatric cancer patients.
Titled “Fête la fête: A Celebration of Courage and Birthdays,” the initiative honored the bravery of children undergoing cancer treatment while giving them a rare chance to celebrate milestones they often miss due to medical and financial challenges.
Held in line with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the activity echoed the national advocacy theme, “Maagang Tuklas, Mabilis na Lunas” (Early Detection, Swift Treatment), underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis and accessible care for young patients. The event reinforced the growing call for more awareness, support, and community involvement in the fight against childhood cancer in the Philippines.
A total of 85 pediatric cancer patients from BGHMC took part in the celebration, receiving specially curated care packages containing school supplies, art materials, personal hygiene items, and small treats such as snacks and ice cream. Volunteers from the Foundever Baguio site personally distributed the gift packs and spent the afternoon sharing stories, encouragement, and lighthearted moments with the children and their families.
“At Foundever, we believe that every child deserves moments of joy and recognition, whatever challenges they face,” said Vida Haboc, Senior Director of Operations at Foundever. “As parents and fellow Filipinos, we feel the weight of the battle these children and their families are facing. Through Fête la fête, we want these brave children to know that their courage inspires us, and that we stand with them in their fight with love, hope, and community,” she added.
The outreach is part of Foundever’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Earlier this year, the company organized Race It Forward, a fun run in Metro Manila that raised funds for Bahay Aruga, Inc., a halfway house offering free accommodation and support to young cancer patients receiving treatment at the Philippine General Hospital.
Childhood cancer remains a serious public health concern in the Philippines. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 4,700 Filipino children aged 0 to 19 are diagnosed with cancer annually, with leukemia accounting for about half of these cases.
Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds of these children are diagnosed only at advanced stages, significantly reducing their chances of survival. Current five-year survival rates in the Philippines range between 25 to 50%, well below the 80% or higher rates seen in high-income countries.
Beyond medical hurdles, families face significant financial strain. A recent commentary in The Lancet highlighted how indirect costs — such as transportation, temporary lodging, and loss of income for caregivers — contribute to immense stress and, in some cases, treatment abandonment.
In this context, initiatives like Fête la fête serve as vital reminders of the impact of psychosocial support on young patients’ well-being. While hospitals and government programs manage clinical interventions, efforts from corporate partners like Foundever introduce much-needed warmth, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy to children and families navigating the difficult journey of cancer treatment.