100+cancer patients get together at Jaslok to go from being a victim to a victor and add vigour to their struggle by hearing Neelam Kumar, celebrated author of ‘To Cancer With Love’ and twice cancer survivor alongside having fun with Kunal Kamra, stand-up comedian who has seen cancer up close when it had struck his mother

Mumbai, February 4th: Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre sets a new milestone by celebrating the ‘World Cancer Day’ with aid receivers of the NGO Helping Hand (run by Dr. Suresh Advani, Director Cancer Department at Jaslok Hospital & his wife Geeta S. Advani) and others 100+ patients. The evening brought much needed joy and laughter to the lives of cancer patients and survivors with out-of-the-box standup show by Kumar Kamra, award winning comedian in the city who has seen cancer cup close with his mother beating the disease, followed by a motivational workshop and Q&A session with Mrs. Neelam Kumar, celebrated author and twice cancer survivor who has launched her book titled: ‘To Cancer With Love: My Journey of Joy’. She shared her experience of beating the disease by taking matters into her hands and depending only on unbound joy. Patients were moved after hearing the sequences of a dream flashing through Neelam’s brain (little Indian girl eating strawberries in a forest of Russia; then the great Khushwant Singh stooping to kiss a lady on the cheek; then the little girl swimming in the Black Sea; then a lady with breast cancer was undergoing chemotherapy; then another lady who was making a motivational speech at a convention, and yet another lady was chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) in rapid succession.

Mrs. Neelam Kumar, celebrated author and twice cancer survivor said “With no tools in my armoury to handle cancer, I became a bitter, cynical woman, wallowing in the ‘why me?’ mode. However with the belief to fight it, I managed success and celebrate ‘World Cancer Day’ each year with other patients only to give them a believe that ‘disease cannot kill you however you can kill the disease’. I had lost my husband, my support who was the greatest influence so facing widowhood, breakdowns and cancer was a challenge however I strongly wanted to share with patients at Jaslok that nothing can beat the energy of self-power so let’s celebrate the day with a goal to ensure that upcoming days will only make be better. I am thankful to the management of Jaslok to invite me with the idea of adding mental strength to patients”.

Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, CEO at Jaslok Hospital said “Positivity is key to beat cancer. We have progressed so far in the field of cancer treatment and is very treatable today with good experienced doctors guiding your medical & surgical therapy, if one is vigilant and early action is taken against it. But a happy mind set and determination to live is key to beating the disease. I am proud to have seen so many happy faces this evening who have found renewed vigour in their struggles and are going home with a strong desire to stay strong and achieve their dreams without having the disease to be a hindrance. As an experiential hospital, we are certain to take all opportunities and initiatives for better mental health of each patient suffering from cancer.”

 

 

We are part of the team who fights against along with our patients and doctors. Life is a gift of god. And he has created all to live. No disease should affect his wish and we at Jaslok hospital pledge to ensure the same.

 

 

The treatment for cancer is a long, arduous procedure and often takes a toll on the patient both physically and mentally. Almost one in four cancer patients may suffer from depression at some stage of their journey. Many psychiatrists believe that half the battle against cancer is won once the patient gets positive counseling. Most doctors are so busy diagnosing and treating the disease, they often fail to notice and address the emotional state of the patients.

 

“It was a great performance. I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. It was refreshing to forget about my battle with cancer and enjoy a light moment.” said Subroto’s, who is in 2nd stage of cancer.