There is a better chance for children stricken with cancer to have the best palliative care. The Felicidad T. Sy Hospice and Palliative Care Center was inaugurated last Nov. 29. Built through the initiative of SM Foundation, Lung Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Cancer Society, it is the first and only government-initiated pediatric hospice and palliative care center in the country. Hospice and palliative care is the dynamic care of patients with advanced, progressive and incurable disease. The family plays an active role in the care of the critically-ill patient, especially if the patient is a child. Connie Angeles, SM Foundation executive director for Health and Medical Programs who signed the Deed of Donation for and in behalf of the foundation, hopes that the “center will improve the quality of life of young patients and their families facing the problem of terminal disease through  prevention and relief of sufferings.”

“SM Foundation, through this humble donation, hopes to alleviate the pain of families while coping for the eventual loss of their loved ones,” she said.