Uniting Hearts and Minds: A Recap of the First HUGS Parent Session

The Department of Pediatric Cardiology Section of Pediatric Cardiac Rehabilitation (PediaCaRe) alongside PHC Nursing Service and Heartlings Unified Group Support Inc. (HUGS) marked a significant milestone with the successful commencement of the first HUGS Parent Session. The event included parents of pediatric post op patients currently admitted in the hospital. Taking place within the confines of the hospital, the session was a combination of shared experiences, expert advice, and heartfelt inquiries, all aimed at supporting the families of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

A Beacon of Hope and Guidance: Mr. Dhan Pangilinan’s Sharing

The session began on an uplifting note with Mr. Dhan Pangilinan, President of HUGS, sharing his journey and insights. Mr. Pangilinan’s words served not only as a source of encouragement but also reminded everyone in attendance of the resilience and strength that resides within the heart of every parent and caregiver facing the challenges of congenital heart disease. His narrative underscored the essence of HUGS – unity, support, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity.

Empowering Caregivers: Post-Op Care Lecture by PediaCaRe Nurse

Following the inspirational start, the focus shifted towards empowering the attendees with knowledge as one of our PediaCaRe nurses, Mam Jean Veronica de Luna took the stage and shared a lecture centered on post-operative care for pediatric patients. This segment of the session helped parents understand proactive caregiving, equipping them with the tools necessary to support their child’s healing journey effectively.

A Dialogue of Hearts: Parents’ Q&A Session

The heart of the session was, undoubtedly, the interactive Q&A segment. Parents seized this opportunity to voice their concerns, seek clarifications, and share their apprehensions and hopes. This open dialogue fostered a sense of community, enabling parents to learn from each other’s experiences and from the expertise of our medical staff. Questions ranged from specific queries about post-operative care to seeking further support for both the patients and their families. The transparency and willingness to share and support one another encapsulated the very spirit of the HUGS Parent Sessions. 

Looking Forward

As we reflect on today’s session, it is clear that the HUGS Parent Sessions have laid a foundation for a supportive community where experiences are shared, knowledge is disseminated, and hope is kindled. We are immensely grateful to Mr. Dhan Pangilinan, our dedicated PediaCaRe team, and all the participating parents who made this session a harbinger of many more fruitful gatherings to come. 

As we look forward to future sessions, we are reminded of the power of coming together for a common cause – ensuring the welfare and optimal recovery of our children. Together, we grow stronger.