EMPOWERMENT. Representatives from Roche, PCSO, DOH, support groups and vlogger, Wil Dasovich, during the launch of "Strong for Someone" campaign on May 10 at Marquis Events Place. (PNA photo by Cristina Arayata)
MANILA -- Pharmaceutical firm Roche Philippines has launched the "Strong for Someone" campaign over the weekend, with the goal of helping cancer patients know the vital information they need to fight the disease.
"For several years, we've been developing solutions. How can we let the people know the information that they need," campaign lead, Edgar de las Alas, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
He explained that Roche's Facebook page, "Strong for Someone", is like a one-stop shop where patients could check various treatment options available, emotional support groups, as well as where and how they could avail of financial support from the government.
"It's a collaborative effort among Roche, the PSMO (Philippine Society of Medical Oncology), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Health, and LGUs (local government units)," he said.
De las Alas said there are various available treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery to improve the patient's condition.
He added that the treatment solutions or medicines that could be found in the "Strong for Someone" page are not just those being offered by Roche, but by other companies as well.
"The common thinking of cancer patients is that chemotherapy is the solution for cancer. There are other options like immunotherapy, wherein not so much hair would be lost. Also, the good thing about immunotherapy is that it targets the specific area where there is cancer," Roche Country Medical Director Diana Edralin told the PNA.
Edralin noted that Roche advocates patients' choice in this campaign.
The campaign also notes the importance of emotional support from family and peers in battling cancer.
Vlogger Wil Dasovich, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, was chosen as ambassador of the campaign.
He emphasized how his family and loved ones were able to help him get through with his illness.
"For cancer patients, keep fighting and love yourself," said de las Alas, adding that with the right information and treatment solutions, they can survive cancer. (PNA)
