MANILA, Philippines - Unknown to many, the lives of hundreds of cancer patients and their families are changed for the better each day at a small space in Makati City.

Tucked in a building between Dela Rosa and Esteban Streets is the headquarters of the Cancer Resource and Wellness (Carewell) Community, a non-profit organization that seeks to give support to persons with cancer.

And we're not talking about free medication or financial support. Carewell offers something that most people tend to take for granted -- happiness, hope, and a place that they can call home.

The group goes beyond the usual counseling and group discussions -- think wellness activities (e.g. yoga, Qi Gong and Pilates) and art classes conducted every weekday at Carewell's warm and cheerful rooms.

At times, there are Happy Hour sessions for men (yes, there's beer involved) and weekends by the sea.

With these fun activities, Carewell promises to lift the spirits of people who have lost hope in their battle with cancer, improving the quality of their lives in the process.

Carewell welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Credit: Carewellcommunity.org.

"What we do is we take care of their minds, hearts and souls," said Robert "Bobbit" Suntay, foundation trustee and managing director of Carewell.

At present, Carewell has some 400 members, including well-known film director and breast cancer survivor Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

She co-wrote the support group's theme song, which was aptly titled "When You Care Well."

"Inside the Carewell facility, I instantly felt at home...I found an oasis where I would soon encounter other cancer pilgrims sharing meals and stories, tears and laughter, joys and sorrows, prayers, and above all, much hope," Abaya said in her article at the Carewell website.

Robin Hood?

Abs-cbnNEWS.com last visited the Carewell headquarters early this month, but no cancer patient was in sight -- they were getting some rest and relaxation in Laguna province.

Outings such as this have always been part of their calendar, according to business development director Loyan Wycoco-Pineda. And the best part is, all of these services are free of charge.

So where does the group get funds since it was incorporated in 2005?

Suntay compares Carewell's activities with Robin Hood, a character in English folklore. But unlike the heroic outlaw who robs from the rich, he said they work hard to get the support of different groups, particularly those belonging to the upper class, for their cause.

"We rely on contributions and collaborations (with different groups and companies)," Suntay said.

Carewell's most recent fund-raising effort is the "Ride for Cory" biking event, where the support group tied up with the Ninoy and Cory Foundation and Rudy Project (Philippines) Inc. (Read story here.)

It is set to be held on August 1, the first death anniversary for former President and democracy icon Corazon "Cory" Aquino. Organizers are hoping to enlist at least 2,000 riders, with the registration fee priced at P2,000 per person.

The Carewell team believes that having a safe and happy place and a new set of friends will greatly improve the condition of persons diagnosed with cancer.

The group continues to welcome all patients and their families, and hopes to get more support from kind-hearted groups and individuals.

Carewell is located at 6/F S&L Building, Dela Rosa corner Esteban Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City. For more information, call (632) 893-0041 or (632) 751-0242 or visit www.carewellcommunity.org.

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E-mail the author at karen_flores@abs-cbn.com.