Love, Care, and Compassion: Day for the Welfare of Cancer Patients

Today, the 22nd of September, is a special day for Cancer patients and their families worldwide. Every year, the “Day for the Welfare of Cancer Patients” is observed on this date in memory of a 12-year-old Canadian Cancer patient named Melinda Rose, who passed away in 1996. Hence, this day is also sometimes called “World Rose Day”, in honor of her name and memory.

Reportedly, Melinda had been diagnosed with a rare form of Blood Cancer, and her doctors had given her only a few weeks to live. However, she survived for six months, during which she spread the message of positivity, hope, and happiness to other Cancer survivors.

While reading Melinda’s story this morning, my mind automatically returned to a few years ago. The year was 2018, and one of my closest friends, Aditya, had just succumbed to Cancer. Watching him go through the intense physical and emotional pain was soul-wrenching. But when he passed away, one thing became clear to me–I could no longer stand by and do nothing. I decided that it was now time for me to do my bit to help others who are battling this disease.

This is how my journey as a Cancer volunteer started about 6 years ago. I live in Mumbai, which is home to the country’s leading Cancer treatment and research center–the Tata Memorial Hospital. Every year, thousands of Cancer patients from the length and breadth of the country flock here–many of them being economically underprivileged.?

After my friend’s sad demise, I started volunteering with a bunch of nonprofit organizations in Mumbai that are on a mission to make life a little easier for Cancer patients in need. But unfortunately, my stint was cut short by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I still remember what a nightmare the pandemic was, especially for Cancer patients who were highly vulnerable to contracting the COVID-19 virus due to compromised immunity. Many of them couldn’t even complete their scheduled treatment.

Fast forward to early 2024, my role as a Cancer volunteer took a new turn as I reconnected with an old acquaintance, Mr. Mehul Doshi, who runs Anand Clinic, a small nonprofit organization. It is a warm, soulful, and compassionate sanctuary for Cancer warriors to recover, recuperate, and get the support they need.

Founded by Mr. Mehul, Anand Clinic provides Cancer patients with nutritious food, clean clothes, temporary housing, as well as emotional support, medical and diagnostic care, and Cancer-specific emergency services. I visit there at least once every fortnight whenever I am in Mumbai. Watching Cancer patients and their families fight bravely instills in me a renewed sense of hope, gratitude, and human connection like never before. Also, rubbing shoulders with fellow volunteers who go out of their way to help them adds a whole new dimension to my life.

I would like to conclude by making a personal appeal to all of you: If you live in South Mumbai, please take some time out of your busy schedule to visit this amazing organization which has touched the lives of hundreds of Cancer warriors. People from all walks of life can volunteer for Anand Clinic. It also acts as a platform to help patients and their families connect with donors to secure financial contributions.?

However, Anand Clinic does not receive any donations in its own bank account and does not charge any administrative fees for the transfer of donation amounts. All financial contributions go directly to the patient or are directly spent on buying supplies for the patients like groceries, medicines, and so on. Take this opportunity to give back to society by supporting this noble cause. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Mehul on +91 90228 32414 for more information.

The best way to honor the memory of people like Melinda and Aditya, whose lives were claimed by Cancer, is to join hands together and show kindness, empathy, and generosity to those in dire need of unconditional love, tireless care, and selfless service. By doing so, we will be one step closer to fulfilling our role as responsible citizens, and above all, as human beings…

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