They survived cancer, now they help others

NAG FOUNDATION, an NGO in Pune working for the welfare of cancer patients, has trained its first batch of 30 cancer survivors, who will now lead weekly training camps to help those living with the disease.

Dr Shona Nag, the head of oncology at Jehangir Hospital, who runs the programme, said this volunteering fills the emotional need of a patient and a cancer survivor. “A disease like cancer overturns your quality of life. Hence, its patients need more than the support a doctor or a family can offer. Survivors become each others’ family and fill the emotional void. Also, survivor stories motivate people to go for mammography.”

Another survivor, Eenakshi Mirchandani, said, “There is a lot a doctor may not be able to help you with. I suffered from nausea, which no one could have pre-empted despite the warnings. Nobody could have prepared me for the pain that followed.”

For survivors, it’s also a way to give back to the society.

Ayesha D’cruz, who sponsored and organised a 100-member awareness camp at St Anne’s Church Hall recently, said, “My mother, despite being educated, passed away as she could not acknowledge she had breast cancer. She never received treatment. I want to create more awareness so others don’t go through the same thing.”

Prashanti Care Foundation has created a WhatsApp group that plays the perfect anchor to such patients. They organise visits, provide food and sometimes even visit the patients in hospitals. The foundation has also created support groups on Facebook — Breast Friends or Aastha Breast Cancer Support Group.

Besides, the annual Survivors’ Conference also offers a common platform to the survivors to bond.