The I Want To Share Foundation (IWTS) has been providing support to young children battling cancer since its establishment in 2013. Over the years, the foundation has remained a beacon of hope, striving to improve the lives of children facing the immense challenges brought on by their illness.
Recently, the IWTS partnered with Manila Hearing Aid, a leading hearing aid center, to donate hearing aids to 30 pediatric cancer survivors. During an event on Oct. 25, the first group of young survivors received their customized hearing aids, symbolizing the organization’s dedication to helping these children reintegrate into society.
IWTS Founder and Chairperson Sheila Romero emphasized the significance of the initiative, which she said aims to inspire hope in the lives of children.
“We aren’t simply giving them hearing aids. We’re opening doors to a world of sounds, connection, and belonging. We are empowering these children to move forward, integrate more fully into society, and lead lives filled with potential and possibilities,” Romero said.
The hearing aids, valued at P30,000 to P80,000 each, were part of various survivorship and early detection projects funded by the foundation’s fundraising efforts. A key fundraising event that helped make this possible was the IWTS’ first charity gala in 2023, which raised approximately P19 million.
“The impact of our first charity gala in 2023 cannot be overstated. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the proceeds from that evening have not only made today’s celebration possible but also bolstered the core mission of our foundation,” Romero said.
In addition to the distribution of hearing aids, the organization plans to develop a kid cancer helpline to help families deal with the challenges of pediatric cancer treatment. Additionally, in order to improve the early detection and diagnosis of children cancer and possibly increase survival rates, the IWTS will fund training programs for barangay health workers.
In January 2025, the IWTS will begin constructing a new bone marrow transplant wing at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), expanding the facilities available for children undergoing treatment.
In September 2025, coinciding with Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation will host its second charity gala to support renovations for the PGH Halfway House. This facility provides temporary lodging for children awaiting surgery at the hospital.
Recently, the IWTS received accreditation from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a global leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment. This accreditation enables the foundation to collaborate with St. Jude’s partner medical institutions and international organizations, further enhancing its ability to provide life-saving treatments and surgeries to more children.
“I would like to thank the Lord for making it all possible for us and for the I Want to Share Foundation to be channels of blessings for these children. Together, with all of you, we can let the Foundation’s voice be heard in championing childhood cancer,” Romero said.
For more information about I Want To Share Foundation’s projects, visit www.facebook.com/iwanttosharefoundation/ or www.instagram.com/iwanttosharefoundation/. To learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude.html.
