More than 100 people in Koror joined the candlelight vigil for cancer victims held at the Bethlehem Park. Different youth groups also lined up the main street of Koror to light up candles. Simultaneously, each State staged its own candlelight vigil. The 16 States communicated through a live radio telecast.
For four consecutive years now, Omellemel ma Ulekerreuil a Bedenged (OMUB), Palau’s Cancer Coalition, has been organizing the candlelight vigil to remember those who have passed away with cancer and to extend hope to those are still battling with the disease.
Cancer survivors like Mitsko Ngirchollei who has been a cancer survivor for 10 years now and an active OMUB member was present during the vigil, a testimony of hope for Palau’s fight against cancer.
The family of Jonathan Koshiba, who passed away last year from cancer, also stayed the whole duration of the vigil. His wife and sisters all wore red shirts that say, “Jonathan Koshiba… There’s one more star up in the sky tonight….”
“A lot of people who are here tonight either experienced cancer themselves or have family and relatives who have had cancer,” Darnelle Decherong, Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Coordinator, said in an interview. “It is mostly for emotional and spiritual healing of those who have gone through cancer.”
According to Joe Aitaro, OMUB Chairman, “The candlelight signifies a beacon of hope and support for those who lost their loved ones from cancer and those who have suffered and still suffering from cancer.”
Simultaneously, each state lighted their candles starting at 7:30 in the evening. Live via radio telecast, each state paid their tributes to the cancer victims for five minutes, either in the form of poems, songs or chants.
Airai, Peleliu, Ngiwal, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Kayangel, Sonsorol, Ngatpang and Ngaremlengui, among others, presented songs and prayers. A guy from Ngarchelong offered a testimony about cancer. Ngardmau recited Psalm 23 in Palauan. The Catholic Youth Choir rendered several songs in Koror. And Aimeliik closed the vigil program with a chant.
“Everything we used during the vigil has been donated by different agencies and concerned individuals,” Decherong said.
The Filipino Community Palau donated 3,000 candles. Co-sponsors of the event included Palau National Communications Corporation, Eco-Paradise 87.9 FM, Palau Public Utilities Corporations, Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, Bureau of Public Safety, the Ministry of Health’s Hospital Preparedness and Emergency Health team, and all State representatives.
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