Tha Tahan-Tahanan is a halfway home for the children with non-communicable diseases and their family/caregivers who come from the provinces and seek treatment in Metro Manila hospitals. It is the realization of a much-awaited dream of the pediatric oncology multidisciplinary team headed by Dr. Ma. This team is composed of pediatric oncologists, nurses, psychologists, Family Life and Child Developm
ent specialists, teachers, musicians, artists, parents, patients, and volunteers with the objective of providing the best quality holistic care for these children. At the Tahan-Tahanan, the clients are provided with free board and ldging coupled with a comprehensive enrichment program like home-study, arts and crafts, sports, music, theater, and dance and skills training for the parents/caregivers. Play, being the pivotal point in a child's life, is the center of activity here with all the fixtures including playground equipment and age-appropriate educational toys specifically hand-crafted to meet the developmental needs of the children. The Tahan-Tahanan was made with the end in mind of providing a homey, safe, secure, well-ventilated, clean, and environment-friendly living experience for its clients. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has provided a financial assistance for the infrastructure and operations of the Tahan-Tahanan which has helped the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) carry this dream to its fruition. Furthermore, Dr. Abesamis, the Medical Director of the Tahan-Tahanan may opt to refer needy patients to PCSO for medical assistance for their cancer treatments. Volunteers are encouraged to donate their time, talent, and treasure to achieve the Tahan-Tahanan objectives. Pediatric cancer patient aged 0-20 years old;
2. With a clinical abstract from his/her Pediatric Oncologist;
3. With residence outside Metro Manila with updated Residence Certificate and Baranggay Certificate;
4. With a social abstract from a medical or a Baranggay social worker;
5. Without any communicable disease;
6. With good compliance with treatment; and,
7. With patients/parents/caregivers' willingness to participate in all activities of the center like household chores, skills training, socialization, play therapy, and support group and family counseling sessions. Being the first of its kind in the world, EAMC takes pride in sharing the Tahan-Tahanan to patients and their families and caregivers, volunteers and donors as a gesture of charity, love, sharing, and compassion. This is our legacy... this is our way of paying it forward... this is our chance to make a difference and live a life with meaning and significance.
