San Juan breast cancer patients receive financial support, free anti-flu and pneumonia vaccines
A total of 151 breast cancer patients, including those undergoing active treatment and those under monitoring, received financial support as well as free anti-flu and pneumonia vaccines from the local government of San Juan and the Caring Keri Foundation as part of the city’s observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said on Saturday, Oct. 25, that 87 active breast cancer patients received P10,000 each, while 64 patients under monitoring received P5,000 each.
The Caring Keri Foundation, headed by Keri Zamora, his wife and a breast cancer survivor, said its new members also received a set of items that included a T-shirt, cap, umbrella, backpack, and a medicine kit.
The foundation also provided the beneficiaries with food packs containing rice and various canned goods.
Free anti-flu and pneumonia vaccines were also available for them.
The mayor said that through these efforts, the Caring Keri Foundation will continue to care for and empower San Juan’s breast cancer warriors.
Mrs. Zamora created the Caring Keri Foundation in 2019 to facilitate several family-oriented activities that focus on women’s health, the well-being of teenagers, and protection of the rights of women and children. It regularly holds programs on nutrition, free medical screenings such as pap smears, mammograms, and ultrasounds, mental health programs, medical procedures, and many others.
Last Oct. 7, the local government, in partnership with the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc. (MMMFSI), the Department of Health (DOH), and the ICanServe Foundation, kick-started the Breast Cancer Awareness Month aimed at strengthening awareness, education, and access to preventive healthcare services for women.
With the theme “Early Detection and Diagnosis, Early Treatment for a Cancer-Free Community,” the event was attended by the mayor and his wife, Keri, who also serves as the MMMFSI president, along with San Juan City Rep. Bel Zamora, Health Sec. Ted Herbosa and other city government officials.
The mayor said the event featured free breast examinations and cervical screenings (VIA and Pap smear).
A lay forum was also held, highlighting the importance of early screening and diagnosis in preventing and treating breast cancer.
Health lectures led by medical experts from the DOH, PhilHealth, and Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) were also conducted during the event.
Other speakers also discussed Breast Cancer 101, Lymphedema Management, and updates on the DOH Cancer Assistance Program and PhilHealth Z Package.
The city officials pledged their support for breast cancer awareness.