The Filipino American Cancer Care, Inc. (FACC) is a 501 © 3 established in January, 2020, with its headquarters based in Alexandria, Virginia. It was founded by Josie Moralidad Ziman, an Asian American of Filipino descent, who is a radio journalist and White House correspondent for Radio Mindanao Network, Iloilo, Philippines. Mrs. Ziman is also the host of the radio show “Pilipinas sa Amerika” (Philippines in America) and staff writer for the Manila Mail newspaper in Washington, D.C. Josie, as she is fondly called, was inspired by an interview she had with Edward Penaflor Logan in 2017, a Virginia resident, who shared his story about his cancer journey as a Christmas story of miracle and hope. Then in 2018 Josie was diagnosed with breast cancer.

In 2019, Josie approached Edward about publishing a book entitled “The Filipino American Journey”, a compilation of Filipino-Americans who experienced hardships and challenges, underscoring their struggles and sacrifices in America. The book was also an attestation in celebration of their achievements and successes. It was stories made to inspire hope in the community, and Edward’s story was included in the publication. Two book launches were held, with the first one done on April 6, 2019, in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, and attended by the Philippine Ambassador Jose “Babe” Romualdez, along with some of the people featured in the book. A second launching was held on July 12, 2019, at the Philippine Center in Manhattan, New York. Several events followed in pursuant to the book launching. Proceeds of the event went to children diagnosed with cancer in Iloilo, Philippines, where Josie hails from.

Following these events, Josie and others felt a growing concern to address the current gap and challenges faced by people with cancer within the unique culture of the Filipino-American community. Thus, the idea of establishing a formal cancer support organization was born. Josie, along with others, formed the Filipino American Cancer Care (FACC) in January of 2020. The organization is dedicated to serving the Filipino-American community, and any person affected by cancer who is medically underserved in the Philippines, the United States, and abroad.  

FACC’s vision rests on four (4) major pillars of C.A.R.E., which stands for: Collective outreach programs designed to fit our unique culture for our community; Advocate for better comprehensive cancer care during and post treatment; Research tool/resource for cancer patients, survivors, family members, and caregivers regarding financial assistance, and lastly, Educate our community regarding cancer prevention, early detection, screening and treatment options.