ICanServe Information Network

The conference room was almost full. Thirty one ICanServe e-group members exchanged hi’s and hello’s, followed by the warm hugs of long-time online friends who couldn’t believe they were probably seeing one another for the first time. Fourteen (14) companions, mostly husbands or sisters, patiently listened to the pre-lecture chats until ICanServe director Lanie Eusebio officially opened the program by welcoming the participants. Dr. Cecille Montales, head of ICanServe’s Patient Services committee, introduced the speakers.

ICanServe volunteer and e-group member Carol Santos was a smiling and enthusiastic first speaker. She is a breast cancer survivor who had lymphedema on her left arm right after surgery. Fortunately, she was able to keep it mild. Carol knew that she had lymphedema when she felt tightness in her arm. There was discomfort because of water retention and it became about 1-2 cm bigger than the right arm. She recommended practical self- help activities like elevation of the affected arm while lying on bed and regular exercise, like stationary biking which helps activate lymph nodes.

She wears her arm sleeve at daytime and she removes it at night before she sleeps. Lymphatic massage also helps which is very different from traditional massage that involves heavy pressing or kneading of the muscles. Carol describes this massage as “haplos” type. She added that cancer survivors with their lymph nodes removed should be vigilant in preventing and managing lymphedema because once one has it, she will have it forever.

In the open forum, one question was, “Is it possible to get lymphedema five years (or longer) after surgery?” Carol replied that even if one does not have lymphedema for years after surgery, it is not an assurance one is in the clear. There is still need to be careful especially in lifting heavy objects. Regular use of arm sleeves while flying will prevent lymphedema since the airplane’s pressurized cabin stimulates accumulation of water in the some parts of the body like the legs and feet. This could easily happen to the affected arm. As for the acceptability of sports like badminton and tennis, Carol candidly answered that such heavy and strenuous
activities are not good for the affected arm.

Emily Mendoza Sanders, the second speaker, is a physical therapist with 20 years experience in the US. She decided to move back to the Philippines so her children could study here. She is now a professor of physical therapy in the University of Santo Tomas. The professor that she is, Emily gave a short quiz: one page with 10 true or false questions and five multiple choice questions. With limited knowledge on lymphedema, it took participants awhile to answer the questions.

Emily defined lymphedema as a condition of localizing fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Using a power point presentation, she described the lymphatic system as a network in the human body with four components: lymphatic tissue (serve as capillaries), lymphatic vessels (serve as valves), lymph nodes (process fluids) and lymphatic load (goes to the heart).

The removal of lymph nodes from the underarm area (done for testing of cancer cells) makes It harder for fluid in the arm to flow out of this area. This may cause the build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissue under the skin.

Emily suggested some guidelines in avoiding or minimizing lymphedema. She said prevention is the best defense against lymphedema. Always use arm sleeves when flying. Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous sports/activities. Avoid prolonged hot baths/saunas. Avoid having blood pressure taken in the affected arm. Avoid injuries such as cuts and scrapes on the affected arm.Emily also demonstrated the right lymphatic massage with a volunteer participant, Tess Rolle. She also demonstrated this type of massage on the arms of each participant. It was really light like the “haplos” mentioned by Carol earlier. She went back to sister Tess, giving her a light massage on the neck and the back. Tess said she felt better after a few minutes. Her affected arm felt lighter and smaller. Emily explained that the affected arm is usually measured before and after the massage to see the improvement in size.

The session ended with another quiz from the professor. Given the same questions, participants answered then passed their papers quickly and without hesitation.It was a fruitful afternoon for the ICanServe community, learning all about lymphedema and helping breast cancer survivors cope with the risks of surgical treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Visit the ICanServe Foundation booth at P1 of Power Plant Mall on October 15-17; 22-24; 29-31. Have your pick of awareness bands, charm bracelets, Rapt 360 headwear, tote bags, hotfoil t-shirts, hooded jackets. Also available are men's and kid's t-shirts and DVDs on breast self-examination.

Early detection is the best protection against death from breast cancer. Your donation raises awareness and supports breast cancer patients in treatment.

Tee-Off for Life (Open Golf Tourney) on Oct. 23, 2010

The PTA Golf Club, Inc. has organized Tee-Off for Life for the benefit of ICanServe Foundation, set for October 23, 2010 at Club Intramuros Golf Course (Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila). Tee off at 7 a.m. to
11 a.m. Fee of P2,000 covers green and caddy fees, giveaways, raffle and dinner.

For inquiries, please call 525 3769 (Vic Costes, Roger Labayo), 523 2325 (Dollie Tabañag), 527 6613 (Joy Amacio).

ICanServe, PDRC facilitate screening of deaf women

ICanServe Foundation partnered with the Philippine Deaf Resource Center (PDRC) to facilitate breast cancer screening of deaf women.

Conducted on March 27 in celebration of 2010 Women’s Month and Month of Women with Disabilities, Dr. Liza Martinez, ICanServe member and PDRC director, initiated the breast cancer forum and screening in coordination with ICanServe executive director Lanie Eusebio and Ating Dibdibin program manager Lynne Catuncan.

Ating Dibdibin is ICanServe’s flagship community-based breast screening program. It piloted in Marikina in 2008 and is scheduled for launch in two other cities in the next 12 months.

In her welcome remarks, Martinez noted that the activity was the first of its kind. Eusebio explained the mission of ICanserve Foundation, after which resource person Dr. Ethyl Cayetano gave a lecture on breast cancer basics.

Martinez and Eusebio shared their experiences as breast cancer survivors while Diana Banas, a deaf woman, described her experience of going through screening after finding suspicious symptoms. The Ating Dibdibin breast self-examination (BSE) video voiced by Lea Salonga was shown followed by an open forum.

Martinez, together with PDRC volunteers Dr. Therese Bustos, Ahnjee Capanang, Jerly Ann Villanueva, Tess Buenaventura, and Charmagne Gaspar, facilitated communication during the program through sign language interpreting. Signs relating to breast cancer were used based on an ongoing translation project by the PDRC.
The afternoon program was at the Trinity Lutheran Church on EDSA thru the kindness of Pastor Ruben and Mrs. Liwanag Caldito. Screening was done in an adjacent building within the church compound. A breast cancer survey for deaf women was also administered to the participants.

A total of 41 (32 deaf and 9 hearing) women were screened. Five deaf women were referred for ultrasound. They were eventually tested at the Good Shepherd Diagnostic Center through the facilitation of the Marikina City Hall and Ating Dibdibin. Findings were all negative for the deaf women, although BSE and regular monitoring were recommended.

ICanServe Foundation thanks all volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and friends who have in the last decade generously given of themselves---time, talent and financial resources---to help breast cancer patients live with hope, die with honor, and fight with courage. The ICanServe community of survivors and kin continue to navigate the path for the newly diagnosed and loving remember co-warriors who have gone ahead.

The SuperSale bazaar is a selling event made for shopaholics and fashion lovers alike. With so many things on sale, they attract trendy people all over trying to get the best bargains before Christmas shopping even fever begins. All major credit cards accepted.

ICanServe is the beneficiary for this bazaar, which is on July 31 and August 1. Shop now and show your support.

PIA Run pledges help for ICanServe’s early breast cancer detection campaign

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Senator Pia Cayetano and her Pinay In Action (PIA) Team organized on March 13 the PIA Run 2010, the fifth annual running series to benefit indigent women with breast and cervical cancer. The biggest and only all-women’s running competition in the country, the PIA Run started in 2005 to raise funds, support, and awareness for impoverished women suffering from cancer.

This year, PIA tied up with the ICanServe Foundation for its hands-on campaign for breast cancer awareness and early detection. PIA pledged to cover the costs of reproduction of Ating Dibdibin, instructional videos on breast self-examination voiced by Lea Salong in English and Dawn Zulueta in Tagalog. PIA will also purchase DVD players to be distributed to different barangays all over the Philippines so that women can view the videos.

PIA likewise partnered with the Carewell Foundation to benefit cervical cancer patients who cannot afford treatmen, and the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC) for the full radiation treatment of 20 needy cancer patients and the screening of at least a thousand patients for cervical cancer.

Ating Dibdibin, ICanServe Foundation’s community-based early breast cancer detection program supported by Pfizer Philippines and Pfizer Foundation, received the Anvil Award of Excellence at the 45th Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. The Anvil Awards recognizes outstanding communication programs and tools designed and implemented in the past year.

The first of its kind in the country in reach and in scope, Ating Dibdibin piloted in Marikina City in June 2008 and has screened more than 2,000 women, trained 200 local doctors and health workers, and conducted capacity building seminars regularly. ICanServe seeks to promote early detection and diagnoses for breast cancer; strengthen public awareness of cancer risks and increase knowledge and understanding of treatment options. The partnership obtained Pfizer’s support as the leading pharmaceutical firm is globally committed to help address cancer.

According to Kara Alikpala, ICanServe’s founding president, “The Pfizer collaboration has jumpstarted the realization of the heart and soul of the ICanServe Foundation's reason for existence: saving as many lives through early breast cancer detection in a systematic, scientific manner with lots of passion and heart. We are forever grateful and hope that Pfizer will continue to support our dream. We will only stop once the cure to breast cancer is found”.

ICanServe’s Ating Dibdibin is among recipients of Pfizer Foundation’s Global Health Partnerships (GHP) - Advancing Cancer and Tobacco Control Program. Pfizer Inc. and GHP have supported 15 non-government organizations in 26 countries around the world since 2008 over a three-year period to advance cancer and tobacco control. Another awardee among Pfizer’s partners is the QUITSS or Quit Smoking Support Program of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, which received an Anvil Award of Merit.

The Anvil’s respected multi-sectoral board of judges included Rina Jimenez-David of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chit Juan of the League of Corporate Foundations, Jarius Bondoc of The Philippine Star, AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Jose Midas Marquez, and Mike Enriquez of GMA Network, Inc. This year’s jury was chaired by Dr. Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. of the University of the Philippines.

Icanserve is the beneficiary for this bazaar, which is on Jan 16 and 17. Please drop by to show your support!

ICanServe Foundation, The Carewell Community, Philippine Cancer Society and Natasha Goulbourn Foundation were chosen as beneficiaries of the 2009 New Balance Power Run...Raising Hope.

Set for November 29, at 5:30 a.m. in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the event features 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K runs with registration fees of P500 for 21K, P350 for 10K, P300 for 5K, and P250 for 3K.

"As an organization, we wanted to create a positive impact in our community. As a brand that embraces the love for running, we decided to do something about it," said Anton Gonzalez, president of Planet Sports, Inc.

Submit your registration forms with your payment from August 8 to September 20 at New Balance outlets in Glorietta, Shangri-La Mall, Festival Mall, Planet Sports Rockwell, Planet Sports Trinoma, Planet Sports V-Mall, Secondwind UP Diliman and Runner Bonifacio High Street. You may download the form and photocopy for all your family members.

Proceeds of New Balance Power Run...Raising Hope will support the four foundations. Visit their websites to learn more about their projects:

The 2009 New Balance Power Run...Raising Hope is supported by Smart, Rider, 100Plus, Planet Sports, BusinessWorld, Solar Sports, Ipanema, The Athletes Foot, Summit Mineral Water, Phiten, Department of Tourism, Dole, California Pizza Kitchen, Alaska, K2 Interactive, Bridges, Cyrus Logistics Inc., The Philippine Star, Action&Fitness Magazine, Wave 89.1, Yehey.com and Audiowav.

Check out newbalance.com.ph for performance running footwear that's right for you.

Start times of the race: 5:30am for the 21K; 5:45am for the 10k; 6am for the 5K; and 6:30am for the 3K Fun Walk.

Give your loved ones the ICanServe Christmas donation card and you gift a family with their cherished mother, daughter, sister or friend come the holiday season.

Exclusively designed for ICanServe, donation card sales will go to programs that provide hope and help for women with breast cancer. ICanServe promotes early detection through high-impact information campaigns and community-based cancer screening programs. Inside text explains that instead of a gift, you, the giver, have made a donation in your loved one's name.

For a minimum donation of P150 per card, you share your commitment to early detection and subsidize the medical treatment of cancer patients.

Special Promo. For a minimum order of 30 pieces placed before October 15, we will print your name or company’s name with no additional cost. (Card measures 6” X 9”) For orders call Toni at the ICS office at 636.5578 or email icanserve.shop@gmail.com.

There was a 3-day sale of Tempur products in 3 showrooms: Greenbelt 5, Shangrila Mall & Bonifacio High Street on Oct 23-25 only.

5% of cash sales during the sale period (Oct. 23-25 only) were donated to ICanServe Foundation. For credit card sales, donations were net of bank charges.

Dawn Zulueta and Lea Salonga support the ICanServe Foundation and C-Network’s campaign of early breast cancer detection.

Through a breast self-exam instructional video, the ICanServe Foundation is sending the message that a healthy future begins with you.

Dawn Zulueta narrates the Filipino version “Ating Dibdibin,” and Lea Salonga presents the English version, “Take Your Breast Care To Heart.”

Dawn and Lea are multi-awarded artists who have always supported women’s causes. The issue of cancer is close to their heart as they’ve both had friends struck by the big C.

The glossy video talks about early breast cancer detection guidelines. By age 20, women must perform a monthly breast self exam (BSE) about a week after her period. By age 30, besides a BSE, women must have a clinical exam every year. By age 40, besides a BSE and a clinical exam, women must have an annual mammography.

Guidelines change if women have a higher risk like hereditary factors. In this case, women must consult a doctor about guidelines relevant to her risk factors.

Ating Dibdibin and Take Your Breast Care To Heart videos were produced by AsianEye Productions, written by Bibeth Orteza and Meryl Graham, directed by Jeannette Ifurung. Cinematography by Lee Meily. This was made possible by a grant from the C-Network.

ICanServe Selected to Participate in Premiere LIVESTRONG® Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland

First-ever event to bring together world leaders, advocates and corporations from more than 60 countries to address the global cancer burden.

MANILA, Philippines–JULY 14, 2009 – Today, ICanServe Foundation announced that Carla Paras-Sison, volunteer coordinator for Media and Information, will represent the organization at the premiere LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, August 24-26. The Summit is the landmark event of the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign, an effort of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). Paras-Sison will represent the organization’s commitment to fight cancer in the Philippines and engage with world media, political leaders, representatives of non-governmental organizations and corporate leadership.

“ICanServe Foundation promotes early breast cancer detection through high impact information campaigns and community-based screening programs. Our network of volunteers, led by cancer survivors themselves, are fully committed to providing hope and help for women and men with breast cancer,” said Paras-Sison, who was also invited by LAF to speak at the “Powerful Digital Storytelling Workshop” on the third day of the conference. Speakers on this panel will share how they have successfully told their organization's stories and built support through available, low cost technologies.

“Cancer is a major public health problem that affects every country in every region of the world regardless of economic and social situation,” said Lance Armstrong, LAF founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist. “Through collective action, we will make a renewed commitment to reducing the burden of cancer around the world and break down the stigma and silence too often associated with the disease.”

In September 2008, Armstrong announced the Foundation’s commitment to making cancer a global priority at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York. The LAF made this commitment after its worldwide research, conducted over 18 months, revealed widespread misconceptions, stigma and lack of awareness associated with cancer.

In response, the LAF established the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign to urgently address the burden of cancer worldwide and support the 28 million people living with cancer around the globe. Cancer kills more people every year than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. It is estimated that cancer will be the leading cause of death worldwide by 2010.

With such staggering statistics, the LAF recognized that a global challenge like cancer required a global movement. And so it began urging world leaders, leading cancer organizations and cancer survivors to join together by making commitments to take action in their communities to reduce the burden of cancer.

ICanServe Foundation is proud to join the LIVESTRONG movement with Ating Dibdibin, its community-based breast cancer screening program which piloted in Marikina City in 2008. Supported by the Marikina City Government, American Cancer Society, Pfizer Foundation and Pfizer Philippines, Ating Dibdibin aims to save lives by catching breast cancer early and killing the fear women have of cancer.

The program communicates the correct information on breast cancer and provides access to a network of resources that makes screening and treatment affordable or free. In its first six months, over 2,000 Marikina residents participated in breast cancer lectures, 1,519 women were screened and 166 were diagnosed with suspicious lumps.

ICanServe Foundation is looking forward to participating in the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland from August 24-26, 2009 and helping to make the case for acting urgently to address the global cancer burden.

Unlike other conferences and forums, the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit is unique in that it will kick off a unified global movement while providing attendees the opportunity to connect with other advocates, network, gain media exposure and access tools and resources to help them mobilize in their own communities. Speakers include honorary Summit chair and former Irish President Mary Robinson, Irish Cancer Chief Professor Tom Keane, CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta as well as representatives from the World Health Organization and other global bodies.

For more information on the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign and the Summit, please visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.

At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we fight for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. There can be – and should be – life after cancer for more people. That's why we kick in at the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. We connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at www.LIVESTRONG.org.

ICanServe is an advocacy group for early breast cancer detection. Through high impact information campaigns and community-based screening programs that promote regular breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography, its network of partners and volunteers, led by cancer survivors, empowers women with hope, help and information to give those diagnosed a fighting chance. The Philippine Cancer registry lists more than 10,000 cases among Filipinas with a mortality rate of 40% every year. The Philippine Cancer Society estimates that in 2005, there were around 14,000 new breast cancer cases and around 6,000 women died from breast cancer in the same year. Early breast cancer detection saves lives. Learn more at www.icanserve.net. Carla Paras-Sison is a stage 4 breast cancer survivor and heads the Media and Information committee of ICanServe. Read her blog at http://carla1.multiply.com.

Cosmetics brand Maybelline supports breast cancer awareness in partnership with ICanServe Foundation. Every purchase you make of Maybelline's Moisture Extreme Lipstick (June, July and August 2009) will help promote breast cancer awareness through a donation to ICanServe Foundation. Take your breast care to heart. The life you save may be your own.

In an effort to strengthen its cancer-related programs and services in Southeast Asia, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has began networking with health- and cancer-related non-government organizations (NGOs) that will assist the ACS in working with national governments; this, in partnership with the Pfizer Foundation of the United States.

In the Philippines, it found a formidable ally in ICanServe Foundation (ICS) that launched Ating Dibdibin, the country’s first community-based breast cancer screening program piloted in Marikina City in 2007.

Of the bigger and more experienced local NGOs it could have partnered with, the ACS chose ICS because it looks for organizations with strong community standing and a good local and national reputation.

“We don't necessarily select the most established or popular organizations. Rather, we are interested in building a diverse group of advocates that can collectively serve the broader cancer control community and greater population at-large, which represents a wide range of individuals affected by cancer. This leads us to consider newer groups,” said the American Cancer Society’s Loyce Pace Bass.

In 2007 and 2008 ICS organized a well-attended culinary bazaar at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City, in a creative effort to drum up public interest on breast cancer and Ating Dibdibin – attesting to a unique quality that makes the foundation stand out from other NGOs.

In addition, ICS was able to roll out an effective cancer advocacy and awareness campaign in a short period of time, said Bass.

Bass, lady Director of Regional Programs for the International Affairs Department at the ACS, is impressed at how ICS has taken cancer advocacy to the next level by tapping and working with, not only partners at the grassroots level, but also well-known and world-renowned Filipino celebrities.

Bass was among a group of ACS representatives who were recently in Manila to host -- together with ICS -- the first ACS-led regional training on cancer control. The training took place at the Renaissance Hotel, Makati from February 22-25, 2009.

The training was intended to build NGO capacity among the Society’s Southeast Asian partners by further enhancing their communication strategies, essential to effective advocacy and awareness campaigns. It was a first for both the ACS and ICS to have hosted a regional cancer-related training in the Philippines. Malaysia, another ACS partner kicked off the regional training in June 2008 and Taiwan will be the third host.

The Philippines was considered a perfect venue for hosting the event because of ICS and the notable example it can showcase about cancer awareness and advocacy through its Ating Dibdibin project. Bass feels that the other Southeast Asian partners of ACS will have a lot to learn from it and also share best practices with one another.

Case in point is Malaysia’s “Men Care” project, where husbands encourage and accompany their wives to undergo a breast screening exam. Launched in 2002, it strongly focuses on Malay ethnic women who, oftentimes, are already on Stage 2 or 3 of breast cancer, by the time they seek medical intervention for the first time.

“We found out that most women do not want to seek medical consultation for fear that their husbands would leave them if they test positive for breast cancer,” shares Ang Eng Suan, Malaysian representative and project coordinator of “Men Care”.

Through tireless advocacy and information campaigns, “Men Care” was able to reach out to some 20,000 women in only two years, through the help of the government’s Family Planning Clinic and the National Council of Women’s Organization. And just like ICS, people behind “Men Care” also employed creative techniques to encourage men, including giving out gift certificates. In addition, service providers were also trained under the project.

As to the ACS regional trainings, Suteera Nagavajara, Lead Manager of the Society’s Southeast Asia Program, said the program is only short-term.

“The trainings are part of our Asia Regional Cancer Control Program which is a three-year initiative. Our goal here is to get all the participating organizations to the next level, where they can develop their own programs and become leading advocates in each one’s respective country.”

“ACS wants ownership to belong to the people of our participating organizations. We want them to put principles in place that will allow them to continue the work,” adds Nagavajara.

“At the end of the three-year initiative, we would like to see regional cohesion, collaborative work and flow of information happening among the Southeast Asian partners,” shares Bass.

The partnership between the ACS and ICS was made possible by the sponsorship grant extended by Pfizer Philippines Foundation Inc., in support of health-related organizations in the country. This initiative is a part of the Pfizer company’s international efforts to help improve health policies by tapping into its global health grant worth $33-million for its multi-year program partnership.

December 20, 2008, Makati City. Five feisty breast cancer survivors got together at the residence of Doris Nuval to attend their first ever massage class to ease the discomforts associated with lymphedema. The session was conducted by a big-hearted couple, Carol and Ric Santos who started the class with a lecture on physiology – specifically the human being’s lymphatic system and its drainage functions.

The background lecture was conducted by Carol with a living, moving chart as a point of reference – Ric, who assumed the role in good humor. Questions were entertained during the demo to clarify the technical aspects of the subject matter; which Carol answered with authority, citing medical references.
In essence, the lymphatic vessels and nodes are found all over the body but are concentrated in certain areas: the hands and breast, head and neck, armpits and groin (Coping with Lymphedema by Joan Swirsley PN and Diane Sacket Nauverg). For most of us at ICanServe who have had either modified radical mastectomies or lumpectomies, a number of axillary lymph nodes in either or both the armpit and breast areas have been removed; affecting the circulation of fluid in that region. Some unlucky survivors develop lymphedema or the accumulation fluids on the compromised side of their bodies; resulting in a swelling of the area and correspondingly, to extreme discomfort and pain. Some lucky ones, however, have gotten away with it.

Basically, Carol and Ric taught May Tanseco, Jidgette Velasco, Becky Fuentes, Marie Paynor, their partners and this writer how to ease this discomfort by rerouting the accumulated fluid to the nearest lymphatic vessels which have not been affected by surgical procedures. The hands-on training was demonstrated by Ric to the partners present; who in turn practiced the techniques on their own survivor-partners. Since the lymph nodes are located almost directly underneath the skin, we were all told to massage very very gently; much like how we would massage/seduce a loved one; or as Ric put it: “parang haplos ng pagmamahal”. The four-step procedure; though fairly simple definitely has to be demonstrated to ensure proper application and effectiveness:

Activate the lymphatic vessels directly above the collarbone by gently pulsing it about 15 times;
Massage the swollen area in your arm where the fluid has accumulated away from your armpit very, very lightly with your extended and flattened fingers ;
Reroute the fluid by massaging your arm toward the activated lymphatic vessels; again with your flattened fingers; and
Repeat this procedure until you are comfortable; which may take from 10-20 minutes. Repeat massage as necessary or for as long as your husband has the energy to do so.

As one of the complications associated with breast cancer, lymphedema may be prevented through several ways; primarily by avoiding the following: infection and injury, pressure on the involved extremity; constrictive clothing, heat and extra-vigorous activity, and extended use of diuretics. It would also be good to exercise regularly, maintain one’s ideal weight and eat healthy food.

Though the sisters present were in different stages of treatment and remission, everyone admitted to being at a certain discomfort level; prodding them to respond immediately to the query posted on our site on lymphedema. According to Carol, therapy for this condition is not yet available in the country; which is why she and Ric volunteered to conduct the lymphatic massage learning session. They learned how to perform this in 2003 from a survivor, Jo Anne Rovig who learned how to do it while recovering from her own breast cancer surgery and who later established her own clinic in Seattle, Washington – the Northwest Lymphedema Center. Jo Anne became the first therapist in the US trained in lymphedema treatment modalities pioneered in Europe and Australia. Carol remembers her as “warm and compassionate, giving up her lunch break to teach us”. Upon parting ways, Carol recalls Jo Anne saying “go back to your country and teach and help all our breast cancer survivors-sisters out there!".

Hopefully, there will be a second session this first quarter of 2009, as there were a number of sisters who signed up for the class but couldn’t make it because of the insanity that comes with the Christmas holidays.
ICanServe, a spirited sisterhood like no other, has again accomplished another first in the service of its members. And Carol and Ric are the embodiment of that spirit; paying it forward; lending our special sisterhood an international flavor in the process.

A bigger, better Pink Kitchen awaits food lovers this October as the culinary gathering for a good cause tickles your tastebuds with a world of flavors! Build your appetite with light snacks and drinks, but do save space for the main course---this year's vendors include experts in Asian, Mediterranen and Fusion cooking, plus all other cuisines in between. As for dessert, mouth-watering cakes, pastries, gelato , and other sweet treats are the offerings of the most exciting part of any meal.

Led by Bettina Osmena, Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee, her team includes Beth Romualdez, Chairman of Pink Kitchen, Libet Virata , heads the Marketing and Sponsorship team, Ina Vergel de Dios, leads the Logistics team. Ria Romero is consultant for entertainment and marketing. Via Reyes and Jing Racelis handle project management. Event styling by Joseph Claraval.

Nowhere has “a demonstration of solidarity, unity and triumph of spirit” been more palpable than in the last Silver Linings event, according to singer, lecturer, Jim Paredes, husband of ICanServe volunteer, Lydia.

Held at the EDSA Shangrila hotel in Mandaluyong City last September 2005, this year’s Silver Linings goes to the Waterfront Lahug in Cebu City on September 6.

Silver Linings , the first and only one of its kind in the country, is a national homecoming and educational forum for breast cancer survivors.

Silver Linings is a whole day educational and inspirational fora. Topics are a mixture of hard and soft topics. They can range from Breast Cancer 101 to Finding Humor in Your Tumor.

Besides lectures, there will also be activities that engage the participants like exercise, cooking demonstrations, look good feel good sessions and opportunities for newly diagnosed patients to interact with newfound sisters in the cancer community.

Several sessions go on at the same time and there will be a plenary for the opening and closing. The event always closes with “stories of hope,” featuring inspiring testimonials from breast cancer survivors.

Silver Linings aims to erase the two things a cancer patient confronts: fear of the unknown and fear of being alone by knowing more about the big C, listening to inspiring stories of survivorship, and by strengthening the sisterhood.

Chair of the Silver Linings event is Me’Anne Solomon, ICanServe volunteer coordinator for Cebu. The various committee heads are: Nelia Navarro, Marketing and Sponsorship, Bernie Aboitiz for Publicity and Promotions, Christine Caballero and Marly Dacay for Transportation and Accommodation, Sister Lucia Perpinan and Lala Pagobo, Secretariat, Chevy Salvador is project manager. All are under the supervision of the Collaboration and Advocacy Committee chaired by Alice Orleans and Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, also founding President of the foundation

Training sessions for Ating Dibdibin have begun in preparation for the program’s launch on June 6 .

Ating Dibdibin is a national breast cancer screening program designed by ICanServe under the auspices of the American Cancer Society.

Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Marikina City government, ICanServe and Marikina City health workers will implement a breast cancer screening program in 16 barangays in Marikina, in order to make breast self-examination (BSE) a habit among the populace.

“More than the fear of the financial burden of treatment, fear of cancer itself has prevented women from regularly doing breast self-examination, which in most cases offers them their only opportunity for early detection,” said Alice Orleans, acting program manager of Ating Dibdibin.

Marikina City health workers and volunteer breast cancer survivors from the ICanServe community are being trained on BSE, story-telling, and facilitation. The training is an essential component of their participation in Ating Dibdibin and intends to ease the breast cancer screening experience of Marikina’s women population.

Marikina’s medical staff, nurses, midwives and barangay health workers, who will champion monthly BSE, received their training on April 29 & 30. Survivors were scheduled for training on May 3, May 10, and May 13. Breast cancer survivors will encourage women to undergo regular screening and spread the message of hope: Cancer is treatable and can be overcome.

Pfizer Foundation International and Pfizer Foundation Philippines are providing support for the Ating Dibdibin pilot in Marikina City.

ICanServe partners with Marikina City through Mayor Marides Fernando for its flagship program,”Ating Dibdibin, the first community based breast cancer screening program in the country.

“Ating Dibdibin” will be launched on June 6. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between Marikina city Mayor Marides Fernando and the ICanServe Foundation represented by its Founding President Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala.

This is a very vital program for a country with the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia.

Lea Salonga, multiawarded singer and actress leads the information campaign designed and produced by volunteers of the Jimenez Basic ad agency.

To prepare for the program, ICanServe with the help of Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, oncologist, cancer screening advocate, trained the medical staff, barangay and family health workers on early breast cancer detection techniques so they can teach the female residents of Marikina . During training, each participant also received free breast clinical exam.

Dr. Karen de la Cruz, organizational psychologist, former volunteer for the Philippine Cancer Society, honed the skills of breast cancer survivors including ICanServe members on public speaking and empathy.

Catering to women ages 20 to 75, the program aims to reach about 54,000 through barangay assemblies and various gatherings like schools, private hospitals, socio civic organizations, homeowner associations and the like.

“Ating Dibdibin” aims to fight ignorance and the fear women have of cancer and to make breast self exam a lifetime habit. It ultimately wants women to take charge of their health. Hopefully at the end of many years, breast cancer will be caught in its earlier stages.

Both Marikina and ICanServe will commit to help source funds for women who will test positive for breast cancer.

ICanServe is a program under the auspices of the American Cancer Society made possible by a grant from Pfizer Foundation USA and Pfizer Philippines.

Volunteers and sponsors are more than welcome to help the program. Cities all over the country are invited to partner with ICanServe.

From March 15 to May 15, ICanServe receives one peso for every capsule of Myra 400-E purchased in Watsons.

Celebrate Women's Month with Myra E by showing your inner beauty. Just like Dawn Zulueta, Isabel Roces, Reema Chanco, Gaby De La Merced, and Patty Laurel, you can be beautiful inside out. Buy the Myra E Beauty Inside Advocacy Shirt for P249.75 in participating Meg and Watsons Stores, and Myra E automatically donates P100 of the purchase price to ICanServe. Each Advocacy Shirt comes in a trendy canister with a free Myra E trial pack.

Help raise awareness about breast cancer and other women cancers.

Breast cancer patient advocacy group I Can Serve recently gathered volunteers and beneficiaries to host a thank you luncheon for multi-awarded car racer Gaby de la Merced, who chose ICanServe as her beneficiary for winning the recent Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 (PBBCE2).

De La Merced was proclaimed third big placer of PBBCE2 and pledged P300,000 of her winnings to ICanServe, a foundation that empowers women with information on breast and other women cancers.

Gabrielle "Gaby" de la Merced, who was proclaimed third placer of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 on January 5, chose ICanServe as her beneficiary. Housemate Gaby wore her ICanServe shirt during her guesting on The Buzz on January 6, 2008.

Gaby is one of the few Filipinas to dominate the Asian Formula 3 circuit. She is the only Filipina who competed in the full season of the series and her efforts led to a 1st Runner-up (second overall) performance in the Philippine National Formula championship (2006 Asian Formula 3 - National Driver's Championship).

On behalf of the survivors and caregivers we link with, our sincere thanks to Gaby for choosing the ICanServe community as her beneficiary. More power and God bless!