"LAGI ninyong tandaan, hindi kayo nag-iisa, kasama niyo ako sa laban ninyo."
(Always remember, you are not alone, I am with you in facing your battle.)
So said the teary-eyed Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda during his hospital visit to the young cancer and dialysis patients of Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH) on Thursday, February 27.
During his visit, everyone was in awe as the Governor went his way to the children suffering from cancer to personally provide comfort and financial assistance.
Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, JBLMRH medical chief, said the children are very close to the governor's heart as he supports the hospital's programs in treating cancer.
"Nagpapasalamat kami kay Governor at sa kanyang pamilya kasi parati silang in full support sa ating mga programa laban sa cancer," she said.
(We are thankful to the Governor and his family because they are always in full support of our programs against cancer.)
Chichioco was not able to conceal her emotions as she shared the struggle of the parents and the patients who are suffering from cancer.
"Kung ang ating mga anak ay hindi sumusuko, dapat tayong mga magulang hindi rin dapat sumuko. Kami naman po bilang mga manggagamot ninyo, hindi po namin kayo susukuan hanggang hindi natin ito malampasan. Sabi nga natin fight! Habang may buhay may pag-asa," she shared.
(If our child do not surrender, we parents should also not surrender. We, as doctors, we will not give up until we will surpass it. As we say, fight! As long as there is life, there is hope.)
While looking at their helpless situation, Governor Delta committed himself to be always there for the patients in terms of providing better access to treatment in order to ease financial burden among parents.
On behalf of the parents, Alfredo Broas, father of an 8-year-old cancer survivor, was in tears as he thanked the Governor for the continuous support extended to their children.
"Despite po ng mga pinagdaanan naming hirap at pagsubok, never po kaming pinabayaan ni Governor. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa kanya, siguro kung wala si Governor, baka hindi namin alam kung ano nang nangyari sa mga anak namin. We are blessed na nagkaroon po kami ng gobernador tulad ni Governor Delta,"he said.
(Despite our challenges and struggles, the Governor never neglected us. I am thankful to him, maybe if its not because of him, we don't know what will happen to my child. We are blessed to have a governor like Governor Delta.) (PR)