A transplant is no longer out of reach for children with cancer at PGH

A new era in pediatric oncology has begun at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) with the opening of the country's first charity bone marrow transplant unit. This groundbreaking initiative, made possible through the efforts of the I Want To Share Foundation (IWTS) and support from public figures such as First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, ensures that children battling cancer can receive life-saving treatments regardless of their financial status. The facility was officially inaugurated on July 10, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare in the Philippines. The unit, located within PGH’s Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Center in Manila, offers free or subsidized bone marrow transplants to children suffering from blood-related disorders. Over 600 Filipino children are estimated to require such procedures, according to the foundation. The unit is designed with the utmost care for patients with weakened immune systems, featuring advanced infection control measures such as HEPA-filtered air systems. These precautions are essential for maintaining a safe environment during delicate treatments. Sheila B. Romero, founder of the I Want To Share Foundation, emphasized the significance of the facility as a lasting legacy. She described it as a commitment to supporting children throughout their journey with cancer. The survival rate for children with cancer in the Philippines stands at approximately 20 percent, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and affordable treatment options. Romero pointed out that poverty often dictates outcomes rather than medical conditions. Many of PGH’s young patients come from impoverished backgrounds, sometimes traveling long distances for treatment they may not be able to afford continuously. Some families are forced to discontinue care due to economic constraints. The foundation's approach aims to eliminate such choices. By providing free or subsidized services, the unit seeks to ensure that no child faces a decision between feeding multiple siblings or receiving critical care. The facility also prioritizes charity patients, offering them immediate access to necessary treatments. The ward is structured to operate self-sustaining, with costs shared between the hospital and paying patients. This model allows charity cases to benefit from the contributions of those who can afford treatment. The unit was completed and operationalized within six months, reflecting the urgency and dedication of those involved. This achievement follows a decade of collaboration between the IWTS and PGH. Since 2015, the foundation has supported the hospital with a range of initiatives, including second opinions, chemotherapy, MRI access, nurse salaries, and transportation for patients and their families. In 2024, the foundation undertook renovations of the hospital’s pediatric infectious ward, with plans for a leukemia ward soon to follow. Beyond direct patient care, the foundation extends its support through survivorship programs. These include providing hearing aids to children affected by chemotherapy, in partnership with a Manila-based hearing foundation. Additionally, the foundation operates a Childhood Cancer Helpline that trains local health workers and physicians in several regions, ensuring better early detection and care. Patient navigators at PGH assist families in securing timely appointments with the appropriate specialists. For children who cannot be cured, the foundation covers palliative care and burial expenses, aiming to provide dignity even in difficult circumstances. Romero expressed gratitude to donors, particularly British philanthropist Jonathan Sterling, for their trust and generosity. In August 2025, the foundation's charity gala raised ₱88 million, which will fund the ward’s second phase and purchase 50 pieces of medical equipment for PGH’s Cancer Institute. The first phase of the unit has already opened its doors, offering hope to countless Filipino children and their families. As the facility begins operations, it represents a significant step forward in the fight against childhood cancer in the Philippines.