More Than a Hike: Walking with Courageous Survivors

Spent the first Sunday of December back on the trail, and this time, it was even more special because of the incredible group of people we met during another Hike for a Cause. Kythe Foundation partnered with DayHike Therapist for one of their heartwarming events. We went on a 5-km slow hike from the Golf Course to Mt. Kan-irag alongside five dedicated staff and volunteers from Kythe and ten brave teens.

Who is Kythe, and What Do They Do?

Kythe Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. For the past 16 years, Kythe has been supporting children here in Cebu.

During the hike, I had the chance to speak with Jairah, one of Kythe’s staff members. She was enthusiastic about answering my questions and sharing more about Kythe's mission. Her passion and dedication to her work were truly inspiring.

Honestly, this was the first time I had heard of Kythe. Jirah explained that it began in Manila and has an inspiring origin story.

Did you know that Kythe started as a thesis project for a Master's Degree in Psychology at Ateneo de Manila University? The founders initially visited hospitals to provide art activities for children with cancer. Eventually, as opportunities and donations poured in, Kythe was officially born.

Now, 32 years later, Kythe has expanded beyond Manila, establishing affiliate hospitals throughout the Philippines, including Quezon City, Tarlac, Legazpi, Bacolod, and, of course, Perpetual Succour Hospital here in Cebu. What started as a small initiative now provides support to over 20,000 children with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Seeing the teens we hiked with, happier than ever and enjoying life, truly warmed my heart. I asked Jairah how they decided on hiking as the activity for that day, and she shared that it was a suggestion from the kids during one of their sessions.

I’ve always loved the outdoors—walking the trails brings me so much joy. I assumed it was the same for the kids, but Jirah’s insight gave me a deeper understanding of why they chose to go on a hike.

Many of these kids are now in Grade 8 or older, and most have been free of chemotherapy for the past 5-6 years. If you think about it, these kids spent much of their childhood battling chronic illness, unable to play freely outdoors like most children. Now that their health has been restored, they’re reclaiming lost time—enjoying outdoor adventures, running, and climbing mountains.

Doc Angie, Jirah and Cyndie from Kythe Foundation

Their Stories

These kids are truly remarkable. I had a conversation with Rovin, another survivor. He’s incredibly smart, loves debates, and is passionate about hip-hop dancing. He even told me he had competed in dance contests at the municipal level—how amazing is that?

Then there were LJ and Andre, two of the youngest and most enthusiastic members of the group. Watching them run carefree around the field, brimming with energy, was like a breath of fresh air. Along the way, they even picked up discarded bottles and, with the help of Kevin, one of our guides, found a sack to properly dispose of them. It’s clear they’ll grow up to be kind and responsible individuals.

And then there’s Zoey. She didn’t just beat cancer—she’s excelling in athletics too! Zoey, a blind athlete, has already competed in CEVRAA, participating in track and field events like running, long jump, and throwing. She’s the epitome of resilience and an absolute inspiration!

We ended the activity with everyone sharing three things that they are grateful for today.

There are so many more incredible stories to tell, and mere words can’t do justice to how amazing these kids are or the incredible work Kythe Foundation does.

If you’d like to support their cause, I encourage you to follow Kythe's Official Website and explore ways to help. You can also visit their office here in Cebu at Perpetual Succour Hospital.

Let’s all strive to make a difference in the world. Whether big or small, our actions can create an impact. If you have the capacity to help or donate, I hope you’ll consider supporting NGOs like Kythe. You don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference—you can start small.

And if, like me, you’re not yet in a position to provide financial support, remember that one of the most precious things you can give is your TIME.

Pʜᴏᴛᴏs ᴛᴀᴋᴇɴ ʙʏ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ sᴏᴍᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇ sʜᴀʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ DHT ᴀɴᴅ Kʏᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴏʟᴜɴᴛᴇᴇʀs