The Kythe Real Love Shirt Contest: Fighting Cancer by Showing Real Love to Kids with Cancer

I think there's no one in this world who does not know a relative or a friend who has cancer. 


I never met an Uncle of mine because we lost him to leukemia at a very young age. He was just a few years younger than my dad. My dad remembers him as a very brilliant and affectionate brother. He was my dad's playmate but since he developed leukemia, he was bedridden and could no longer play. It was even more painful since both of their parents were doctors. At the age of five, my Uncle Erlando died of leukemia. Because of cancer, I never met him in person. I only see his very small grave in the cemetery at every visit. All I hear are stories about how wonderful he is and I can't help but wish that I met him as well.


I still can't imagine how hard it must have been to suffer from cancer especially at such a young age. One day you're full of dreams and so ecstatic about the world but then it all crashes down when you get diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly it becomes an everyday frightening battle to survive. You're forced to grow up as an adult and face painful treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Like my Uncle Erlando, these long term treatments have forced kids with cancer to stay at home rather than play outside like other kids. 


In honor of my dear Uncle Erlando, I decided to help out Ms. Janette Toral to promote Kythe Foundation, an organization that helps out children with cancer. Psychology students from Ateneo formed Kythe Foundation to provide psychosocial support for kids with cancer. 

Through Kythe's Child Life Program, kids with cancer and their families are provided developmental activities and education to expand their knowledge of their sickness and give them hope. 

Real Love Campaign 
Unilever Foodsolutions has partnered with Kythe in order to assist it in its mission to improve the quality of life of cancer patients through fun and normal activities like cooking. In the Real Love Campaign outreach programs, Unilever Foodsolutions and their operators are able to interact with kids with cancer by creating healthy sandwiches using Lady's Choice and Best Foods mayonnaise.

Kids are given a wide array of ingredients to choose from and fun animal-shaped cutters in order for the kids to learn that preparing healthy food can actually be enjoyable. Aside from this, kids also engage in other activities like storytelling sessions, scrapbooking, and other arts and crafts modules. 

To further strengthen this campaign, Unilever Foodsolutions has also partnered with Team Manila to come up with a specially designed, limited-edition shirt which will be available in Team Manila outlets in Rockwell, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma and online through its website. 

You can support this cause by purchasing your own limited edition Real Love shirt through Team Manila's online store (Php550 or $12.50). Parts of the proceeds will go directly to Kythe Foundation and its operations for cancer-stricken kids. Click here to view the women's Real Love shirt and the men's Real Love shirt.

In order to mobilize the public further, Unilever Foodsolutions also has a Facebook page dedicated to the Real Love campaign. With every 1,000 “Like” entries until it reaches 10,000 fans, Unilever Foodsolutions will donate 1,000 sandwiches to the different Kythe partner hospitals.


I'm sure all of us have known and/or lost at least 1 person in our lives with cancer. Let's all join together in fighting cancer by showing Real Love to kids with cancer. Make a real difference in their lives by joining the Real Love Campaign by liking the Facebook page or by purchasing a Real Love shirt. 


Want to win a limited edition Real Love shirt? 
Join this Real Love Shirt Contest.

Contest Mechanics:

1. Like the Real Love Campaign Page on Facebook

2. Simply complete this sentence: “I will share my love to the kids of Kythe by____________”

3. Once you're ready with your answer post it as a note/status on Facebook (+1 entry) and/or blog about it (+1 entry). 

4. Post all direct links of your entries in the comments page (below). Make sure you don't forget this, otherwise I won't know you joined. Also leave your Name and Valid Email Address.  

5. Only those who are based in the Philippines can win.

I'll pick the winner based on the quality of your answer and how well you promoted your entry. The contest will run from October 4 to October 11 (Mon), 8PM. Contest has been extended so that it's exactly one week. :) 


The winner will be announced on October 12 (Tuesday) at 10:00 AM. 

For more information on the Real Love Campaign, Kythe and how you can help, you may call Unilever Foodsolutions at 588-8855 (Metro Manila) or 1-800-588-8855 (outside Metro Manila) or send an email through foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com. You can also visit Kythe’s official website (http://www.kythe.org).

Kythe: Because children should be flying kites, not fighting cancer.
 
~It's the little sweet notes everyday that matter. :)~
*photos courtesy of Ms. Janette Toral