Out of Janssen Pharmaceutica's total commitment to patient care, Club Alfa was born. It was the brain child of one of its product specialists in Cebu. Rozlyn Untal conceptualized and initiated the project in 1997. Because of its huge success and acceptance among dialysis patients, Janssen decided to implement Club Alfa on a nationwide scale in July 2000.

The Patient Fora is a recent initiative among the varied activities of the Club. It is a support network that provides monthly education sessions for people living with kidney disease. Volunteer doctors, dieticians, and nurses offer their support through:

• lectures about kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation
• practical support for people on dialysis, their families and friends

From a small group of patients helping each other out through their ordeal with chronic renal failure, Club Alfa has grown into a bigger and larger organization now includes patients suffering from cancer. Club Alfa primarily fosters camaraderie and support. This community-based program is free of charge and provides comprehensive education and support for patients and caregivers on topics including:

• understanding cancer and its treatment
• managing patient symptoms, such as fatigue and pain
• dealing with changing family roles
• improving a caregiver’s mental and physical health