Led by the PJLFI Chairman, Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier and Trustees Philippe Andre Lhuillier and Cesar Vidal, the PJLFI staff and volunteers from the Legal Services Group and Corporate Communications Division of Cintree Management Services, Inc. conducted an annual visit and gift-giving to the cancer patients of the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital on December 21, 2006. Also on hand to serenade the cancer patients and their companions with Christmas carols were some members of the U.P. Singing Ambassadors who, two days ago, conducted a Fund-Raising Concert for PJLFI beneficiaries.

While the staff and volunteers distributed gifts of cash, groceries and toys and some snacks, the Ambassador patiently cheered up the patients by talking to them individually and sharing with them a story or two to lift up their spirits. For a person of the stature of the Ambassador reaching out to all the cancer patients and being able to bring out the happy smiles in their faces was really a sight to behold! And with the soothing music of the U.P. Singing Ambassadors serving as background, it was as if one has had a glimpse of the divine!

In the course of his interaction with the cancer patients, the Ambassador had, on the spot, committed that the Foundation will shoulder the cost of the chemotherapy cycles of Ms. Emma Avila, a 41-year old native of Bahao, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, who was diagnosed with a cancer of the uterus.

Also deeply touched by the cancer patients, the son of the Ambassador, Trustee Philippe Andre D. Lhuillier also pledged a substantial amount for the young patients of the Cancer Institute. 

Several months later, after completion of her chemotherapy cycles, Ms. Avila wrote the Ambassador a letter of thanks which states, among others:

“Taas noo po akong sumasaludo sa iyo at sa inyong pamilya dahil sa ganitong gawain, ang tumulong sa kapwa ay dapat na ipagmalaki dahil bihira lamang sa isang tulad ninyo ang may ganitong gawain… Maraming-marami pong salamat.”