INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Playing badminton three to four times a week helped Jocelyn Garcia-Trinidad cope with breast cancer.

“I enjoy it so much,” said Garcia-Trinidad, who plays badminton with her friends at Alabang Country Club.

The 49 year-old mother of two girls has battled cancer for three years and said her stamina has improved because of her active lifestyle.

“It was a total lifestyle change by eating healthy food and engaging into sports and exercises,” added Garcia-Trinidad, a member of a cancer support group called Project Pink.

According to Dr. Mae Corvera, a specialist in palliative care and also a member of Project Pink, a patient should do regular aerobic exercises to increase blood circulation.

“At least 30 minutes of brisk walking, swimming, cycling, tread mill, and aerobics three times a week is recommended for patients,” Corvera recommended. “These exercises make you relax and enjoy at the same time.”

Project Pink, a non-profit organization which began in January 2008, aims to provide assistance and support to cancer patients and their families.

In December 2008, the group conducted a golf tournament called the Pink Cup to raise funds for a library resource center at the Asian Hospital.

“There is more to life than cancer. We didn’t choose cancer, we chose life,” said Garcia- Trinidad during the launch of the Spring of Hope project, a collaboration between Project Pink and Bayer One-A-Day Multivitamins.

Proceeds from the sale of the pink ribbon “advocacy” bag – designed by Amina Aranaz and sells for P600- will help fund Project Pink activities that promote awareness of breast cancer.

“By purchasing the advocacy bag, ladies carry the cause of the fight against breast cancer,” said Tricia Duavit, Bayer HealthCare-consumer care category manager.