Kythe, kids and kidneys

November 6, 2008 – a dozen GE Volunteers, led by Ann Bayan-Flora and Christine Briones, spread some early yuletide cheers as they paid a visit to the foremost kidney transplant center in the Philippines, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in East Avenue, Quezon City. In coordination with Kythe Incorporated’s Diane Jimenez, the volunteers played hosts to the hospital’s outpatient kids (toddlers to pre-teens) and proved to be great entertainers for the kids while the latter wait for their medicine or check-ups.

In support of Kythe’s vision to improve the quality of life for pediatric patients by uplifting their spirits and strengthening hope in them and their families, GE Volunteers succeeded in doing just that. Armed with crayons, coloring books, storybooks, and audio books courtesy of GEMSPI’s Gap Inc. portfolio, the volunteers looked verily like an older brother, sister, father or mother spending fun times with the kids.

Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, the occasional bursts of laughter and the excitement they showed in the activities, one would not think that these children are sick much less terminal. Hands were never idle with crayons and coloring books around and arms were all up when questions were asked after a story-telling session. And not thinking about their condition actually helped when it was time to interact with the kids. While being conscious of the children’s facial expressions, bodily gestures and dietary requirements, the volunteers did not hold back with their welcoming smiles and playful attitude as they found themselves enjoying as much as the kids. Sleep-deprived they may be, volunteers took the kids inside them outside to play and left the hospital feeling better in every way.

Kythe (pronounced as ‘kayth’) is a Scottish word which means healing through simple sharing and togetherness. In the spirit of the word, the volunteers may not have healed the children of their affliction but by sharing and spending their time together with these kids, who knows what miracles may happen? On their website (http://www.kythe.org), Kythe has this slogan on their banner: “Because children should be flying kites, not fighting cancer.” We did not fly kites with them but with more people coming together and sharing, maybe one day we just might.