20 kids with cancer to receive free chemotherapy from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Twenty children with cancer are set to receive free chemotherapy sessions through GMA Kapuso Foundation's Kapuso Cancer Champions under the Give a Gift, Alay sa Batang Pinoy Christmas project.

According to a "24 Oras" report on Monday, aside from the free chemotherapy they will receive, the children were first taken to an indoor amusement playground for a fun day with their peers.

The event, organized by the foundation in partnership with Aeon Fantasy Group Philippines, teemed with games, performances, gifts, and delicious fare.

"The reason why we joined this project is to create a safe space where these children can have fun, enjoy themselves, and hopefully forget their day-to-day battle with cancer, even if just for a little while," said Aeon Fantasy Group PH President Yasuke Hisano.

Among those who attended the event was psychologist Bless De Asis, who told the young patients that such activities are important for them to build connections with their peers.

"It's the need to connect with others. We have a group, even if it's just two or three of you, you are able to understand each other," she said in Filipino.

Kapuso volunteer dentist Dr. Cynthia De Pano, who is a cancer survivor herself, also gave a heartening message.

"Nobody wants this, but once we get better, we are able to help others because we get to share to them how we overcame this," she said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, pediatric oncologist Dr. Ramon Severino shared that there are many treatments available today to cancer patients.

"The good thing with modern medicine today, aside from diagnosis, is the treatment. It's there, what's available today would be surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation," said pediatric oncologist Dr. Ramon Severino.

—CDC, GMA News