In a moving gathering by the I Want To Share Foundation (IWTS), 120 childhood cancer survivors recently took the stage, not as patients, but as graduates, each representing courage, resilience, and life beyond cancer.
Photo: I Want To Share Foundation
A celebration beyond survival
Now in its sixth year, the CAn Beat It Graduation Ceremony honored children who have completed their cancer treatment, marking a milestone that goes far beyond medical recovery.
It was a moment of transformation, where fear gave way to strength and uncertainty to renewed possibility. The ceremony honored children who overcame a wide range of cancer diagnoses, including retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma, hepatoblastoma, Wilms tumor, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, BCOR sarcoma, yolk sac tumor, medulloblastoma, glioma, intracranial germ cell tumors, ependymoma, leukemia, LCH, and lymphoma.
“This is more than a graduation—it is a celebration of life,” said Sheila Romero, founder of IWTS. “These children have faced unimaginable challenges, and today they step forward not defined by their illness, but by their courage.”
Voices of inspiration and strength
Photo: I Want To Share Foundation
During the event, keynote speaker Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez-Montenegro underscored the importance of collective action in improving childhood cancer care in the Philippines.
Basketball icon LA Tenorio also shared his own cancer journey, offering words of encouragement to the young survivors and their families.
Photo: I Want To Share Foundation
Meanwhile, renowned singer Erik Santos serenaded the children with inspirational songs, uplifting the atmosphere as they celebrated their triumph.
The strength of families behind every survivor
The ceremony also honored families and caregivers, recognizing that childhood cancer is never faced alone.
“Behind every child is a family that never gave up,” Romero added. “This victory belongs to them too.”
Transforming the cancer journey for Filipino children
Beyond the celebration, IWTS reaffirmed its commitment to improving the cancer journey for every Filipino child, building on the momentum of its successful second Charity Gala in 2025.
Through initiatives such as the Childhood Cancer Helpline and healthcare training across local government units in Bacoor, Sta. Rosa, and Biñan, along with expansion to Bohol and Palawan, the foundation continues to improve access to care.
“Early access to the right care can change outcomes,” said Dr. Tricia Alcasabas, chair of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute.
Photo: I Want To Share Foundation
She noted that treatment noncompliance has dropped from 45% to 8%, allowing more children to complete chemotherapy and move toward recovery.
Building hope: the first charity bone marrow transplant wing
A key milestone for IWTS is the development of the first charity bone marrow transplant wing at the PGH, making life-saving treatment more accessible for children with blood cancers.
“This is not just a facility—it is hope materialized,” Romero said, as construction of a three-bedroom leukemia ward begins this May.
A collective effort of compassion
CAn Beat It 2026 also recognized partners who brought these initiatives to life. Katrina Blanca de Leon of Genteelhome donated furniture for the facilities, while architect Rogel Matro led construction efforts. Pinky Tobiano, a cancer survivor herself and a passionate supporter of IWTS, shared a message of hope and solidarity.
Photo: I Want To Share Foundation
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to care that goes beyond treatment.
Life beyond cancer
Through its survivorship programs, IWTS continues to support children beyond treatment, providing assistance such as hearing aids and palliative care to ensure comfort, dignity, and reintegration into everyday life.
Celebrating compassion: “I Want To Share My Hair”
A highlight of the event was the I Want To Share My Hair initiative, which recognized donors who helped provide wigs and support to children, demonstrating how small acts of generosity can restore confidence and dignity.
A promise that endures
Childhood cancer survival in the Philippines, once as low as 30%, can now reach up to 60% with early detection, proper guidance, and access to treatment.
Photo: I Want To Share Foundation
As Sheila Romero said, “We will continue to fight for you, care for you, and bring hope to every family”—marking not just the end of treatment, but the start of a future filled with possibility for the 120 graduates.
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