Prisca Githuka, Cancer Advocate, Founder of Pink Hearts Cancer Support Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“‘I want my flowers now, while I can still smell them.’
That was the request of a cancer patient whose story I heard during my visit to Better Days Wellness Centre, and it stopped me in my tracks.
How often do we wait until someone is gone to tell them how much they meant to us?
I had the privilege of spending time at Better Days Wellness Centre, one of the partners of the Philippines Cancer Society.
Founded by two cancer survivors, the Centre is a non-medical respite and safe space dedicated to holistic healing.
The patient’s request to be celebrated while still alive, to hear words of appreciation and experience the love of family and friends, beautifully captures the philosophy behind the Centre’s work: helping people live fully, meaningfully and with dignity.
I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Lim, Community Development Director and Cancer Coach, whose passion for serving people affected by cancer is truly inspiring. I was equally impressed by her husband, who leads the Centre’s Lovegivers initiative, an innovative and heartfelt term for caregivers. His commitment and passion were evident in every conversation.
The Centre provides patient wellness support through nutrition and diet, mindful movement, education and information. They also support families and caregivers with resources related to childhood cancer, community support organizations, support services and palliative care.
They host weekly online sessions and monthly community days, creating opportunities for connection, learning and support.
The environment itself reflects the care and intention behind their work. Beautiful trees and flowers surround the facility, creating a sense of calm and positivity.
They aspire to establish a palliative care facility in the Philippines. A miniature model of this vision stands at the Centre. Having witnessed the passion, dedication and impact of their work, I believe it is only a matter of time before this dream becomes a reality.
Throughout this peer visit , I have learned invaluable lessons about patient-centred care, survivorship, caregiving, community support and the importance of seeing the whole person beyond the diagnosis. Grateful to #PCS for their support and hospitality, and #UICC for the opportunity.
I leave inspired by the people I have met, grateful for the knowledge shared and reminded that healing is not only about treatment but also about connection, compassion, purpose and dignity.
And above all, I leave with one lesson I will carry with me:
Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.”
More posts featuring Prisca Githuka.
