In this case, it was one that lingered in the mind of a breast cancer survivor- the thought of reaching out to others who were experiencing the same struggles, questionings, uncertainties as she. This one thought was shared to her doctor friend who owned the same passion, to help cancer patients and their families through their journey. Both were inspired to do the same, and so the story unfolds.
The same survivor then shared the idea with two other ladies in her bible study group who were breast cancer survivors themselves and the wonderful serendipity of a common “calling” fell into place. The story then goes on that the three breast cancer survivors and the doctor met-put their heads and hearts together to pray and plan. Soon after, they were led to another cancer survivor friend, likewise and equally committed to the cause. They all had breakfast, and friendships were quickly formed and the commitment to start a support group took seed and they called themselves “PROJECT PINK”. In the weeks that followed the group grappled about what to do and where to go next. The suggestion to look into what Dr. Harold Benjamin of The Wellness Community (TWC) had done in the US using the “Patient Active” concept, was posed. It was then they were providentially introduced to Mr. Bobbit Suntay, a high school friend of one of the ladies and managing director of The Carewell Community in Makati. To the ladies pleasant surprise, it turned out that Carewell was the only international affiliate of TWC in Southeast Asia! The group went to Carewell and the vision of what they wanted to do solidified. They finally had a model to pattern after. In that same month, surgical oncologist Dr. Aldine Basa was introduce to one of Project Pink ladies, who got around to talking about their attempts at putting up a support group. Dr. Basa invited them to meet the Board of the Department of Surgery of Asian Hospital who were likewise seeking to partner with a support group for their cancer patients. The ladies met with the surgeons of Asian Hospital, and Project Pink was invited to be their cancer support group. They were elated at the invitation. They finally had a home. By then, The turn of events were simply amazing. The sheer fact that the evolving group seemed to take a life of its own was a confirmation that God’s hand was in it. This was the birth of Project Pink Support Group Inc. – a story of 1 thought… 2 inspirations… 3 callings … 4 ideas …5 commitments… equaling a dream realized. At present, the cancer support group continues to meet every other Wednesday at the Entrata Building, averaging fifteen individuals per meeting, who also initiate events to advocate the cause of being “Patient Active”. They no longer call themselves “Survivors”, rather “Conquerors”, who wish to encourage many others, sending out the message that there is more to life than cancer.
