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