Empowering young minds to conquer diabetes

ONE OF the meaningful artworks prepared by campers of Rainbow Camp Foundation Philippines’ annual summer Diabetes Camp

Most people find themselves in a state of shock after their doctor confirmed for the first time that they have diabetes.

These individuals, especially children and teenagers, often take the news as a personal failing, that it was their fault because they ate too much cakes and chocolates or drank so many sugary beverages.

Leyden Florido, head of the Rainbow Camp Foundation Philippines training committee, said: “Some even become too withdrawn, reasoning that since they are going to die in a few years, what’s the use of going to school or having a girlfriend or boyfriend. These are the young people we extend our assistance to, reminding them that being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t prevent them from leading a ‘normal’ life. Diabetes may be a disadvantage but definitely not a death sentence.”

Rainbow Camp Foundation Philippines, a nonstock, nonprofit, nongovernment organization, enables young people with diabetes to live life to its fullest.

The organization was among the 10 winners of last October’s Sanofi-Rainbow Across Borders Asia-Pacific Award held in Singapore.

The Sanofi-Rainbow Across Borders Asia-Pacific Award is the first of its kind in Asia and the Pacific region, receiving 58 entries from 12 countries. Entries include a wide range of projects that benefit patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer (particularly children receiving palliative care).

Diabetes camp

“Our entry is also our organization’s major activity, the annual summer Diabetes Camp in Hermosa, Bataan, a five-day camp held during school break that comprises sharing, learning, laughter, hard work and even crying to unleash what the campers are feeling. The camp is open to young people with diabetes between 8 and 18 years of age. No parent or guardian is allowed during the camp duration, although they are always a call away,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Ann Catindig, executive director of Rainbow Camp Foundation Philippines.

Also taking care of the campers, closely monitoring their state of health and rendering appropriate care, if necessary, are the fellows of the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation.

Catindig said this annual activity gives the campers the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility and experience living with other children and teenagers with the same condition.

She added: “Good diabetes management can be overwhelming, especially when you’re first diagnosed. So we tell our campers to take it one day at a time and tell them that they’re not alone: There’s Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, 81-year-old talk show host Larry King and International Filipino pop star Gary Valenciano as their inspiration. By balancing the food they eat with exercise and medicine, they are living long and healthful lives.”

Since 1982

Florido said: “We have been doing this activity since 1982. We started with a small group in our facility in Novaliches, Quezon City, where we held similar games and activities that would teach children and teenagers how to eat right, recognize their symptoms and use diabetes tools and calculators to help them better manage their condition, hear their experiences and advise them how to deal with their issues.”

In recent years, the foundation acquired its official campsite in Bataan—called Jardin ni Lola—located at Barangay Mabiga where complete amenities and spacious campsite suitable for outdoor activities are offered.

Fatima Lorenzo, Philippine Alliance of Patients’ Organizations president and Kythe Foundation executive director, said she is proud that the foundation’s efforts were recognized considering that it joined other worthy entries from Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong (two entries won), Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Thailand.

“Each of the 10 winners are now eligible to request sponsorship—up to Singapore $5,000 (about P165,000)—for any of its future training and capacity-building event to enhance the patient’s advocate group’s patient engagement skill,” Lorenzo said.

Florido added: “For us the financial reward that we could get will be used to fund training of our volunteers. At the moment, volunteers of the foundation are made up of doctors, nurses, nutritionist-dietitians, dentist, psychologist and other allied healthcare professionals of the Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators and the Association of Diabetes Nurse Educators of the Philippines.”

Established only in February 2015, Rainbow Across Borders is Asia’s first regional patient support group alliance which promotes collaboration and networking among patient support organizations.

“While managing chronic diseases becomes challenging in the Asia-Pacific region, the role of patient advocacy has evolved leaning toward improvements for a patient-centric approach. We are excited to partner with Sanofi in enhancing patients’ wellbeing by connecting patient groups across the region via an interactive platform,” said Rajakanth Raman, executive director of Rainbow Across Borders.