Scarvivor : Keep the Stories, not the Scar Advocacy

The sooner the scar is treated, the greater the chance of positively influencing scar formation. Information that is worth sharing to you all.

I recently meet six brave souls who despite their scars were able to face the world head up high. They are presented during the Scarvivor event. The Scarvivors event press launch was held last August 27, 2015, 10 am at Amici  Restaurant. Also present are Dr. Jose Joven Cruz, President of PAPRAS; Dr. Dorothy Dy Ching Bing, Burn Rehabilitation Consultant on burn centers in the Philippines; who share information about the Scarvivor advocacy .Nikoy De Guzman, one of the SCARvivors, gave a speech for the closing remarks.

Scarvivor, is an advocacy from the country’s leading scar management brandContractubex® (Extractum Cepae + Heparin + Allantoin), in support of the burn centers of the Philippines, and the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) mission. As part of the advocacy, Contractubex proudly shares inspirational and life-changing stories from 6 courageous SCARvivors.

Scars may be a reminder of pain and personal tragedy. However, scars are also a sign of healing wounds. They are a testament to an individual’s courage and resilience. Scars mean closure on whatever pain and tragedy has happened,   and it is something that can be visually improved as part of the healing process.

“Hindi ka lang scarred physically. Pati yung self-esteem mo natamaan. Nung time na yun, I didn’t want people looking at my scars. Ngayon, I know there’s  more about me than my scars,” shares Sherilyn Bruan, a survivor of the Ozone Disco fire.

“There were issues with those big scars, particularly after my first modified radical mastectomy when I was just 28. Then, I realized it’s about getting well. What you went through. And getting over that,” says Nikoy de Guzman, who has undergone a double mastectomy

“Dahil sa scars, dati binubully ako. Sinusulatan yung libro ko ng sunog. Ganun. Pero hindi ko hinayaang masira ang buhay ko,” says Rubylyn Cua Rodel, who got burned in an accident.

“My experience has been a painful struggle. But I didn’t let it hinder me from doing the things I wanted to do. I want others to know that you can be so much more than your scars. Just trust yourself and your will to fight,” shares Dwight Bayona, a racer who lost his leg in an accident. 

“Ang mahalaga, muli akong makabalik sa aking tungkulin. Dala ng paninilbihan ang sugat na ito, nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob,” according to Richard Tagapan, a PNP SAF officer injured in the line of duty. 

“My scars are very big and my left leg was deformed. It was a very difficult experience, but with the help of many loving people especially my Mom and             Dad, I am now on my road to complete recovery,” says Giboy Billena, a 13-year-old bone cancer survivor.

The SCARvivor exhibit was also being held at Exhibit Space 3, UGF Building A, SM Megamall runs from August 27, 2015 to September 2, 2015.

We encourage you to be part of the advocacy by visiting the exhibit and extending your support to other SCARvivors out there.

You can also support the SCARvivor advocacy by purchasing Contractubex®. For every Contractubex® purchased, patients from selected burn centers will be given their own SCARvivor Kit. This is in line with the commitment of Contractubex® to helping patients manage scars, so that someday, being SCARvivors themselves, only their stories of hope and courage remain.