Tuesday, August 28, 2012

15 years of breast cancer advocacy in the Philippines




It has now been 15 years since Rosa Francia-Meneses established the Philippine Breast Cancer Network as a direct result of the 1st World Conference on Breast Cancer held in Kingston, Ontario in 1997.







The PBCN pays special tribute to Andrea Martin from the USA, who had devoted her life to the global movement for the eradication of breast cancer and who was a very special friend of the PBCN.  We likewise give special recognition to the following who have maintained the course and pursue in this quest: North America - Sharon Batt, Barbara Brenner, Judy Brady, Devra Davis, Samuel Epstein, Nancy Evans, Ann Fonfa, Jackie Manthorne, Karen Miller, Sandra Steingraber and Laura Weinberg; Europe - Laura Potts, Helen Lynn and Annie Sasco; and Japan - Akiko Domoto and Kimiko Goldberg



But as these persons have been trailblazers in their respective countries, our organizations all face a lacking of new faces of dynamism and resolve, of 2nd liners who will continue what was started in that historical 1997 Kingston Conference. But without a doubt, there are already newly-diagnosed women out there who have already picked up the baton. 

The PBCN has only been able to persist because it is the only breast cancer organization with a completely patient’s perspective that is led by a man who will not yet die. The burden of advocacy on a patient, most especially in the Philippines is not only demanding of her time and health but breast cancer activism in itself has yet to be accepted and recognized by society and governance.

If not for personal donations from both patients and supporters, the PBCN would have already succumbed to the cancer industry with all the offers of partnerships and assistance from the medical-pharmaceutical sectors as well as grandstanding politicians. This is the reality of territory the PBCN has been in since 15 years ago – yet though it would be simply practical just to survive, the PBCN has always relied on divine intervention and to quote Goethe, “The moment one definitely commits oneself, the Providence also moves. All sorts of things occur to help which would not have otherwise have happened. A whole stream of events flow from that decision, bringing all kinds of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no one could have foreseen. Whatever one can do or dream one can, do it. Boldness has genius, power and magic. Do it now.”

August 28th was the 15th year of the PBCN and also the 60th birthday of its founding President. I was able to attend mass, but on television. It was for a simple yet great public servant who perished from a plane crash and captured the hearts and minds of the entire nation. He had dreams that did not fit into the political realities in the country but held steady since more than 20 years ago – he had no idea whether his efforts would go anywhere. Are there others like him?

Yes there are! Two days before, I accompanied my daughter and her classmates undertake a cultural research visit to a small and obscure town in Laguna province. They were all amazed at how the town has maintained its cultural heritage and how the entire community is starting to progress. Then they were shocked to see the month-long waist-deep flood waters that remain and of all places, where the town Mayor and his family reside. Yes, this unassuming mayor of Pila, Laguna is another Jesse Robredo in the making.

Why did I have to mention this?  Because just like these devoted public officials who kept on with their “impossible dream” ….. the PBCN after 15 years of breast cancer advocacy and all its accompanying personal sacrifices, I know deep inside that something’s got to give! 

The PBCN’s advocacy for the prevention and ultimate eradication of breast cancer did not end with the death of Rosa Francia-Meneses.  As silent as every woman copes and confronts with her life-threatening disease, so does the PBCN grapple to stay alive. Despite having lost its recovery center in Tiaong, Quezon aggravated with the unsolved cold-blooded murder of its caretaker, the PBCN continues to provide care and management for women afflicted or suspected to have breast cancer whenever, wherever and however possible.  


Breast cancer is today a national public health epidemic – this is the reality. But the truth is that breast cancer can be prevented! 

The reality is that the medical-pharmaceutical industry continues to mislead the public in believing that early detection prevents breast cancer. But the truth is that mammography causes breast cancer!

The reality is that the PBCN is in dire need of funds. But the truth is that firm resolve and not money has kept the PBCN alive and kicking the past 15 years.

To face reality, one can just opt to be practical. But to be real, one just has to be true.

“Freedom from Breast Cancer!”

  





No comments:

Post a Comment