Benilda Hizon President, PMAC Auxiliary

By: Ryan Tejero

 

PMAC Auxiliary President Benilda Hizon has successfully launched her flagship project on Kidney, Diabetes and Hypertension. Benny, as she is popularly known in the Filipino American community, is an outstanding leader and volunteer. She received her Excellence in Volunteer Nursing Award from the prestigious Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame Awards. Benny vocalized that “Kidney disease is on the rise. One in three adults is at risk for kidney disease. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, causing those affected to rely to dialysis or a transplant to survive.” Her pet project is aimed at increasing awareness of Filipino Americans in the area on the importance of screening.

On September 28, 2017, the PMAC Auxiliary through the support of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, provided free kidney and hypertension screenings to more than 80 participants at the Jose Rizal Community Center on Irving Park, Chicago. This event that lasted for four hours became a productive health-care campaign that covered online health information: blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index(BMI), waist circumference, height, weight, urinalysis and blood draw for those whose results were positive. The highly computerized and innovative screening process were both fun and educational for all.

PMAC’s consulting nephrologist, Dr. Miguel Hizon, reported that 20% of those who had blood tests done were alerted to an underlying condition of which they hadn’t been aware of. In conjunction, consulting Endocrinologist and past PMAC President, Dr. Nunilo Rubio spearheaded information dissemination about new-found study results, and shared health tips to everyone.

This year’s screening was well-received and has gained a lot positive feedback from the participants. One of them expressed that, “I can have the results right away, and it’s free.” Another person said, “It’s better than a doctor’s visit.” Still others were so motivated and got excited to get tested. The organizers thanked all of their outstanding volunteers for their unselfish efforts in making the event possible, specifically by ensuring that everyone waiting in a long line was served.

In support of this project is The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, which is the only one in the nation that has a Kidney Mobile. It offers a comprehensive kidney and diabetes screening, and is a great community outreach for the underserved Illinois families, neighbors and community members. According to NKF Program Director, Ms. Megan Craig, “The Kidney Mobile is the Illinois traveling kidney disease statewide prevention campaign.”

While the screening was going on, flu vaccination was also done to those who consented for it, and was administered by Dr. Nida Blankas -Hernaez.

The success of the projects was also made possible through the cooperative efforts of other Filipino American organizations and individuals, who were inspired to share their spirit of volunteerism. The following were present: Philippine Nurses of Illinois, Dean Baron and Renato Natividad, Aleddi Home Health Nurses, Rose Alcantara, Michelle, Marie and Marsh, Amita St. Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Director of Nursing, Medi Panlilio Newman. Ms. Mae Drum with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceutical, Visiting RN Elsa Montellana from Orlando, Florida, Ms. Araceli Somera, R.N., Dely Villalon’s friend and guest, and Ms. Elaine Lehman, FACC Executive Director. In addition, we applaud the time and efforts shared by our PMAC Auxiliary leaders, Drs. Anita and Menelio Avila, Drs.Eugene and Emma Salazar, Drs.Nunilo and Elenita Rubio, Dr.Ben and Fe Lumicao, Mrs. Vi Magsino ,Mrs. Dely Villalon, Dr. Miguel Ll. Hizon and Dr. Nida Blankas Hernaez.

FACC Executive Director, Ms. Elaine Lehman, expressed her gratitude to both the attendees and the organizers, “We thank the PMAC organization for bringing this worthy project on behalf of our Filipino community, and to those who participated in the event.” One by One Imprint provided the backpacks that were distributed to all health fair attendees. Benny announced that there will be a second kidney, diabetes and hypertension screening scheduled in May, 2018.

PMAC and its Auxiliary recently held their Induction Ball on September 9, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency, O’Hare, Chicago, Illinois. Elected as PMAC President for 2017-2018 was Dr. Naty Bernardino; PMAC Auxiliary President for 2017-2018 was Benilda Filart Degracia Hizon R.N.; PMAC Foundation Chairman was Dr. Greg Tolentino; PMAC Physician of the Year was Dr. Ramon Lopez; Inducting Officer was Philippine Consul General Generoso Calonge, and PMAC 57th Anniversary Keynote Speaker was De Paul University President Dr. A Gabriel Esteban.

All fundraiser proceeds for the PMAC /Auxiliary/Foundation will benefit its scheduled Medical Surgical Mission in Camiguin Island on Jan. 22-25, 2018. Other beneficiaries include the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the Marawi initiative, Medical Scholarship fund and for other philanthropic endeavors supported by the group.

During the Induction Ball, PMAC also announced the naming of Dr. Nunilo Rubio Diabetic Center at the Presence St Mary Nazareth and St Elizabeth Medical Center of Chicago. Dr. Nunilo Rubio and Dr. Gerry Guzman were also recognized as Outstanding Seniors in Chicago for 2017, and the Pilipino American Cultural Foundation of Chicago for recognizing outstanding seniors who have served the community for many years.

With the inducting official the Philippine Consul General of Chicago Generoso Calonge (middle), the PMAC Auxiliary officers: president Benilda Filart Degracia Hizon RN, president-elect Evan B Suan MD, vice president Nanette Montellano MT, secretary Dalisay Villalon RN, treasurer Violeta Magsino RN, auditor Elena Liboon RN CPA, executive director Dionisia Battung RN, and board directors of Heidi Montenegro MD, Estella Cave RN, Leticia Claridad MD, Marylyn Lopez RN, Carlota Sanchez RN, Noemi Fogata MD, Purificacion Baladad RN EdD, Merle Casco MD, Remedios Escalona MD, Melinda Tolentino MD, and immediate past president Nida Blankas-Hernaez MD, liaison officer to the PMAC Miguel Hizon MD.