RUN4LIFE! POST EVENT

RUN4LIFE POST EVENT REPORT: 


Almost 3000 runners turned out on Sunday, July 11, 2010, to participate inRun4Life, Lifeline's first fundraising fun run. Lifeline Foundation Support Team, Inc, started by directors Jose Luis Gonzalez and Candace Schmidt, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the relief of the oppressed and the empowering of the victim-minded. Run4Life raised funds for Lifeline's various causes and initiatives. The Westgate lots were a hive of activity in the pre-dawn light as running enthusiasts, a large contingent of Muntinlupa's police officers, Lifeline volunteers, and a number of young children did their warm-up exercises, met with friends, families, and running groups, and in an atmosphere of excitement and friendly competition prepared for the largest race southern Manila has seen to date.

Proceeds of the race categories went towards a different program: the 3K run sponsored Lifeline's Satellite Schools program, an effort to make education available to street children; the 5K run supported the Patient of the Month, a means by which medical procedures are provided to help individuals overcome medical liabilities to help them become productive members of society; and the 10K run raised funds for Lifeline's Medical Missions, a monthly outreach activity to give back to policemen, tanods, teachers, and the other unsung heroes of our communities.

Camp Bagong Diwa Bicutan Taguig, City Police Force – June 27, 2010

Lifeline Foundation Support Team Inc, under Directors Jose Luis Gonzalez and Candace Schmidt, completed another medical mission, this time among the policemen of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan on June 27, 2010. This year marks the most medical missions Lifeline has ever had, with our 5th medical mission for the year giving aid to servicemen representing the NCRPO - RPSB (National Capital Region Police Office - Regional Public Safety Management Batallion).

The said mission was attended by 257 participants, both policemen and their families combined, who were given free check-ups and valuable lectures about hypertension and good nutrition, along with free medicines and vitamins. Members of the NCRPO - RPSB and their families were assisted and received the utmost care from a 60-strong Lifeline team in attendance during that day.

The success of this mission was made possible by the help of Police Senior Superintendent Mario Espino - Batallion Commander with Major Ubaldo their Company Commander and with the assistance of Officer-In-Charge and Coordinator: Lt. Felixberto Kabil

Abra de Ilog Occidental Mindoro – May 28, 2010

Lifeline embarked on another successful Mangyan Medical Mission in Abra de Ilog on Friday, May 28. It has been one of the best Mangyan Missions we've ever had. Our team of 60 eager volunteers left Metro Manila on Thursday at 10:30 PM to begin our 6 hour travel to Occidental Mindoro. As soon as we reached Baranggay Udalo, everyone got down to business, efficiently getting down to our assigned posts and duties. It was such a pleasure to see more new faces and new volunteer doctors, nurses, and dentists who are willing to lend their abilities to help the Mangyans. Once the first Mangyan family arrived, everyone started working. Every Mangyan was able to get the medical help they need, from dental care to cough relief, de-worming and treatment for skin conditions.

It was uplifting to see how they were grateful and trusting towards the Lifeline team. Each smile lessened the tiredness of the volunteers. You could see the light in their eyes as they received medicine, appreciating the fact that we care for them. As we took care of each family and saw that they needed more, we were getting more ideas for the next Mangyan Mission; family planning education, for example. There are so many other ways we can help our brothers and sisters. We just have to take one step further and take action to reach out to them. Lifeline served 500 Mangyans – women and children in this particular mission. 

Barangay Immaculate Concepcion Cubao, Q.C. – August 1, 2010

 We held our Medical Mission on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at Barangay Immaculate Concepcion SB Park in Cubao, QC.--- our sixth for this year!

Giving back to 284 of this community's public servants and their families, we met their tanods, committee members, street sweepers, and local city government workers. Our medical team gave general check-ups and consultation, and distributed medicines and vitamins to the barangay members who came. Our health education focus for this outreach was Cervical Cancer awareness. A team of volunteers went around educating the 141 adult participants, especially heads of families. A de-worming station was also set up for the 140 children who came.

Kagawad member Mr. Lito Fernandez and his team were thankful for Lifeline's support and service. Meanwhile, great to see our family of volunteers and supporters growing: 70 volunteers - doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nursing students, pharmacists, educators, artists, young professionals, businessmen, parents, and children - came to help and serve the 281 individuals who came that day. One of Lifeline's thrusts is to spread the spirit of community and volunteerism, believing that each individual has the power to help bring change wherever they are. And when hands join together, the work gets done. We are only thankful for their support.

Putatan, Muntinlupa Police Force – April 25, 2010

On April 25, 2010, Sunday, almost a hundred volunteers gathered together at the Municipal Hall of Muntinlupa to educate and medicate almost 200 men and women of Muntinlupa's Police Force & their families, as well as Traffic Police Officers and other Municipal Workers. The medical mission started at 8am and ended at around 12 noon. As members of the police force were ushered to the different stations, they had their blood pressure checked, their medical complaints heard, and had received consultation and medication.

After visiting the different stations, head Lifeline doctor Erlyn Chua, spoke on the dangers of hypertension and on how to prevent this 'silent killer' from claiming more lives than it already has. It seems that the number one problem for Muntinlupa's police force is hypertension--it is imperative that they be educated on this concern. Dr. Chua debunked myths concerning hypertension and in five practical steps, explained how simple changes in habits can be incorporated into their lifestyle so that they can live healthier and longer lives.

Prevention is equally as important as fighting a disease--as it has been said in previous articles, a man who is sick won't be able to competently provide for his family and serve his community. Individuals should never be made to feel like they're helpless, only empowered. It was humbling to see these hardworking, uniformed individuals so apparently grateful, conversing with the volunteers and sharing their lives. We as citizens need to know that those serving our government can do their jobs effectively; in turn, these individuals also need to know that there are citizens who care enough to help them.