February 9, 2011
School of Medicine, Kochi
World Cancer Day at the Health Sciences campus saw a series of colourful yet momentous events that were organized by the Department of Oncology of the Amrita School of Medicine.
The cancer survivors’ meet brought together those who had fought the disease with a strong will. Dr. Dinesh, Professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology welcomed the gathering.
“Dear friends,” he said. “We are happy to welcome you all to this function. We understand the hardships you have gone through to again wear those wonderful smiles on your faces.”
Inaugurating the meet, journalist, Mrs. Leela Menon, said, “Early detection of cancer is important. The warning signs of cancers should not be ignored.”
Herself a cancer survivor, Mrs. Menon shared how she never felt discouraged. “Fight the disease with your will power and you will be cured for sure. Have an aim, dream for that, fight for that dream, so that you never feel devastated,” she affirmed.
Sampoojya Swami Poornamritananda Puri blessed the gathering. Emphasized that self confidence is quite important in defeating cancer, he said that love, hope and mental strength provided by the caregivers also contributes a lot of positive energy, helping a patient survive.
During the meet, survivors took turns to narrate their courageous and motivating stories. They spoke of the hardships they faced in battling the disease and the difficult treatments of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
“We are thankful to the doctors and other caregivers at the Department of Oncology at Amrita for their care and support,” the survivors reiterated.
“I felt as if I was actually reborn,” gratefully remembered Ms. Ushadevi, a survivor of breast cancer.
“Amrita is a very special place for me; I remember the caring and loving doctors,” stated Mr. Jibin, who overcame leukemia. “Now, I am confident that I have conquered the disease.”
The audience was moved to tears as little Karthika, a survivor of rhabdomyosarcoma, vowed to place her doctors alongside her gods.
A magic show led by Prof. Vaidyar Shah of the city’s Magic Society, highlighted the theme “Early detection of cancer and a mental frame of mind are the keys to success in cancer treatment.”
Earlier, the Department of Oncology had organized poster competitions on cancer awareness for students and faculty. The winners of these poster competitions were honoured.
Various cultural events including Ottanthullal, mime show, fusion dance and solo songs followed.
“Care and Share is our theme for the year. We hope that this event added a new dimension to cancer care by highlighting this theme,” stated the organizers.
