Philanthropist, businesswoman, mother, and wife Sheila Romero shares how the virtues of faith and generosity can make impactful change for children with cancer.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s September 2023 Issue.
Sheila Romero is a force of nature. As a devoted mother, wife to Congressman Mikee Romero, and also the chairperson and CEO of their family’s many corporations, it would be an understatement to say that Romero has her hands full. And yet, despite all this, she has spearheaded the establishment and growth of one of the most respectable institutions in the country, the I Want to Share Foundation, which is now celebrating its 10th year.
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Founded in 2013, the I Want to Share Foundation was set up by Romero with a handful of friends who all had the common goal of wanting to make a difference. The institution has since supported children with cancer, both financially and emotionally, led in typhoon relief efforts, assisted in the building of homes, and provided educational scholarships to deserving students in Philippine Science High School, among other endeavors. “We had the same unified vision to give a part of ourselves to society, in whatever way we can, and to be able to influence others,” Romero shares.
GIFT FROM THE HEART
Romero recalls one of their earlier projects as their annual Christmas party for the community of Agdangan, Quezon, where in addition to the festivities, the group would share food and school supplies to around 600 children. “This project started as a simple gift-giving that became a full-blown foundation,” declares Romero.
In 2015, the organization would then partner with the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology unit of the Philippine General Hospital, to assist with the medical needs of children with cancer. “We provide funding for medicines and tests that are not available in PGH,” says Romero, explaining that the organization would also assist with transportation expenses, the internet of the department, nurse’s assistance, and the like. “We allocate 1.5 million pesos a year to support funding for the department,” she says.
Recognizing how difficult it is for the children, and how much of their childhood is affected, the IWTS also has various programs to allow them to experience cherished milestones. Shine Dreams Do Come True! is one such project, where children get to don gowns and strut down the catwalk, directed by no less than Robby Carmona. “They would even walk with some influencers or young actors,” shares Romero, recalling how celebrities Sarah Geronimo, Pokwang, Elmo Magalona, Karylle, and many more had joined their cause.
“This event serves as a testament to our steadfast commitment to ensure that these young individuals get to experience to shine and be a star” explains Romero.
Given how much time and resources cancer treatment may entail, she conveys that a lot of the children also don’t get to go to school. This then inspired the group to organize the Can Beat It program, to celebrate when the kids have finally completed their treatment. “They wear a toga, we give them a certificate. But it’s a certificate of completion for chemotherapy. It is an empowering and heartwarming event. It recognizes the journey of the child and their family and how they’re able to triumph over this battle” states Romero, noting how important this event is for family members as well. Since 2015, the foundation has helped a minimum of 150 children each year, or more than 1200 kids, graduate from chemotherapy.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
In order to provide continued assistance to their beneficiaries, the I Want to Share Foundation is actively involved in fundraising initiatives that also inadvertently raise awareness. In 2019, they staged the highly successful collaboration with Salcedo Auctions where art and jewelry were placed under the hammer for charity. “We raised 6 million pesos for an 8-bed pediatric chemo ward,” shares Romero.
Inspired and indefatigable, Romero shares how the group is, as of press time, excitedly preparing for their upcoming I Want to Share Charity Gala, a first for the foundation. “This will be graced by movers in politics, fashion and business, bringing them all together for a common purpose to advocate for the early detection of cancer in children through the Childhood Cancer Help Line, and the construction of two Bone Marrow Transplant units in PGH,” Romero conveys.
Through these initiatives, the non-profit organization aims to help increase survival rates and improve treatment outcomes for their “brave warriors”. Romero states: “Through the Childhood Cancer Help Line, we would be able to help navigate the parents as to which doctor or hospital to go to. This will also empower caregivers to recognize potential symptoms at the earliest stage.”
PARTNERS IN PHILANTHROPY
Knowing the power of a good team, Romero is extremely proud of the foundation’s Board of Directors, which is a diverse group of accomplished individuals eager to share their wisdom and expertise.
Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, is currently the vice-chairman of the foundation and helps lead alongside Romero, bringing his extensive experience from the corporate world. Atty. Dey Dimaandal serves as the corporate secretary and is in charge of legal and logistical affairs. Congressman Sam Verzosa and Suzette Ayson are both trustees, and manage the revenue and sales of the organization.
Pinky Antonio, who is also the group’s treasurer, alongside other trustees Robby Carmona and Talia Asuncion, take charge when it comes to events and programs. Actor Dominic Roque, one of the country’s noted stars, handles digital marketing.
GRIT AND GRACE
Romero had always yearned to establish a dependable foundation that her friends and acquaintances would wholeheartedly support. However, as she narrates, “as fate would have it, my own victorious battle against cancer served as a profound sign from a higher power. I was divinely blessed with the healing love of God, which instilled within me a profound sense of purpose for my second lease on life.”
And while Romero had already been extremely dedicated to her philanthropic endeavors, being a cancer survivor had further strengthened her resolve, and given her profound insights as well. “Empowered by the lens of a cancer patient, my connection to the cause of the foundation grew immeasurably stronger. Having experienced the difficult journey firsthand, I now possess a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living with cancer and their families.”
Diagnosed in 2020 with third stage breast cancer, Romero is thankfully now in remission and has taken it upon herself to continue to help as many children as she can. “God didn’t heal me for nothing,” she wholeheartedly states.
“After completing my first chemotherapy session, I made it my priority to provide the young patients at PGH with an alkaline machine, ensuring they could access free, clean water to flush out the chemo meds. Also, we started paying for a life coach child assistant to prep the child before chemo,” shares Romero.
FAMILY COMES FIRST
And while the foundation does keep Romero busy, she is still first and foremost a mother and a wife, roles that she takes to heart. “After 7 pm is definitely family time and if I can work from home, I do that to monitor the kids. Weekends are for the family. We go out of town to the beach, and for long vacations we go out of the country,” she says.
Already, Romero’s daughters Milka and Mandy are becoming accomplished women just like their mother. Milka, 30, is the founder and CEO of the Miro Group, which runs a host of chic restaurants and bars like Sanctuary, Bar 55, and Sushi Nori, to name a few. Mandy, 23, is on the other hand SVP at Capital One Energy, who graduated magna cum laude at Georgetown University. Their brother Santi is 18, and is a freshman at De La Salle University, and a rookie member of the DLSU Green Archers. Steff, the youngest, is seven.
Romero’s husband, Congressman Mikee Romero of the 1PACMAN party list, also shares her passion for philanthropy, coupled with his dedication to public service. Romero shares that he had initiated the Save A Child’s Heart program, which seeks to help children with congenital heart diseases in receiving their much-needed surgery. Now in its 7th year, the initiative has already benefited around 1,750 children, covering hospital costs from first diagnosis to post-operative care.
Read the full cover story by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia September 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Text MARIANE PEREZ
Photos PATRICK DIOKNO
Sittings Editor CANDY DIZON
Art Director MARC YELLOW
Stylist ROKO ARCEO
Makeup CATS DEL ROSARIO
Hair PATTY INOJALES
Shoot Coordination MAE TALAID
Shot on location OLD DISCOVERY SUITES IN TAGAYTAY CITY
