AT LEAST 39 children with cancer, along with their siblings and families, received an early Christmas treat from various organizations in Tacloban City on Sunday, December 9.

“This is our fourth party with them since April 2017. We give them two parties every year--the Summer Fun and Christmas Party,” said Bunny Culibar-Celebrado, the youth chairperson of Tingog Sinirangan party list.

Celebrado, who is also the regional coordinator of the Philippine Toy Library, expressed her gratitude to Sirakwaraynon Eagles Club, Tacloban City Eagles Club, Lions International, Share Your Spare Singapore, Tacloban City Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth council) Federation through its President Thomas Diaz, and other individuals who joined them in organizing the event.

“We also give gifts to the siblings because we don’t want them to feel like they’re left behind. We understand that parents usually poured most of their time to their child who is a patient,” said Celebrado.

The 39 children are under Dr. Joy Tobio of the Pediatric Oncology Ward at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center.

Dubbed as “Winter Wonderland Christmas Party,” the children were entertained by magicians and showered with toys, gifts, balloon twist, and a bubble show.

Some children also performed special numbers for their parents and visitors.

Also present were cancer-free children and the families and siblings of patients who already passed away.

“This is our Thanksgiving program. We want our children to be always happy and remain positive,” said Irene Sudario, a parent.

She also thanked the Kids of the Kingdom Region 8, a pedia cancer and chronic illness support group in the city.

The group provides a “safe haven for children fighting for chronic illness such as cancer.”

“We provide support group where children and their families are drawn close to God and get to know the promise of His words. Cancer steals, kills and destroy. But Jesus has come to give life and have it to the full,” it said.

For support and donation to Kids of the Kingdom Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), text/call Dr. Joy Tobio, 0927 691 3706 or Charo Bajado, 0933-854-2878.