FACC Gala Highlights Community Support for Cancer Patients

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The Filipino American Cancer Care (FACC) held its charity gala last weekend, emphasizing the power of community in supporting cancer patients.

President and Founder Josie Ziman thanked volunteers, sponsors, donors, models, and attendees for their support.

This year’s event featured 130 community models, including children, seniors, survivors, and those currently battling cancer.

Renowned fashion designers from the Philippines and the United States showcased their collections, led by Los Angeles-based designer Carl Andrada, Edwin Uy, Bo Parcon, and Simon Andres from the Philippines, as well as Bernhardt Collections from Virginia and Adot Enset from Maryland.

Performances were delivered by world-class tenor Allan Palacios Chan, soprano Kay Habana, award-winning singers Katrina Manabat and Mr. Washington D.C. Dave Valeriano, D Neis Siblings, Jenny Stratton and Kael Jadon Davis.

The event was directed by international fashion director Buboi Asuncion of MGI Entertainment from Washington state.

Ziman described the planning process as a year-long journey filled with challenges, including a lack of sponsors just two months before the event.

Despite these difficulties, Ziman and FACC volunteers remained dedicated to their mission of helping those affected by cancer.

“This journey is truly rewarding,” she said, underscoring the importance of serving those in need.

The gala sold out a week before the event, attracting over 400 attendees.

A highlight of the evening was the Philanthropic Hero Awards, presented to six volunteers and supporters: Catalina Almonte, Mike O’Connor, Dr. Corazon Panes Sanchez, Engr. Danny Sanchez, Sandra and Jeselle Fabria, Gabriela Alvarez, Aissa and Ray Encomienda, and Jeannette and Carl Abella.

They raised PHP 2,500 and more to support cancer patients.

The organization provides financial assistance of PHP 1,000 to each recipient. This year, 17 cancer patients from the Philippines and the United States received aid.

As FACC looks forward to its fifth anniversary next year, Ziman reflected on the organization’s work since its inception in 2020, helping 110 cancer patients in the Philippines, the U.S., and beyond.

Recently, FACC installed a “Bell of Hope” at St. Anthony Hospital in Roxas City, Philippines, symbolizing courage and strength for survivors.

FACC is also expanding its outreach through a radio program on PHLV Radio in Las Vegas and by offering free cancer screenings in partnership with INOVA Hospital in Virginia, with plans to extend these services to the Philippines.

Ziman concluded the evening by encouraging everyone to continue supporting each other with kindness and compassion.

She looked forward to the next gala in 2025, which will mark five years of service and hope. “Let this bell ring loud and clear, inspiring countless others to never give up,” she declared.