In 2019, we joined the team at Saroj Gupta Cancer and Research Institute, Kolkata, India to support the Colon Cancer patients. Every Friday we conduct Stoma Clinic where we counsel and train patients on stoma health and have a one to one consultation with them and their family members. Detailed databases are also maintained. Each patient is monitored on a regular basis. In addition, Stoma Nurses Training Program takes place once a month at the Hospitals so that the Nurses can take care of the stoma patients who are admitted there. After the patients are released from the Hospital, volunteers carry out home visits to train the caregivers thoroughly. After their treatment is completed, we encourage them to involve themselves in various activities such as sewing, singing, cooking, tailoring, Computer classes and Vocational Job oriented Training etc., to keep them happy and move forward joyfully, earning some money.
Other objectives of Cancer Fight Foundation include a Rehabilitation Programme for Paediatric Cancer Survivors. In this programme we sponsored the rehabilitation of those children who are able to restart their education. We provided stationary, books and also pay for their education, tutoring and extra-curricular activities.
We conducted Cancer awareness programmes at many remote villages in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, where we spoke to various School and College students about the symptoms of cancer and how to change diet and lifestyle habits to prevent the disease. We also gave specialised training to women and young girls on Breast Cancer, it's causes, symptoms and how to do self breast examination which are vitally important for early detection of the disease.
After outbreak of the Covid19 Pandemic in March'2020, we supported some patients with their regular Stoma accessories and subsequently offered regular mental health counselling to both the patients and their families. During this crucial time we lost many patients too. With the permission of Police Authorities, we supported approximately 200 cancer patients and their families with dry ration, food supplements, hygiene products, chemotherapy drugs etc by delivering to the homes of many patients.
By the end of 2019, we joined hands with Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah West Bengal, India to support Colon Cancer Patients. Till now, in 3 Hospitals, as stated above, we have supported more than 500 patients. When the Covid 19 Pandemic struck in 2020, we were unable to conduct our clinics in the hospitals regularly. But with the help of the database of patients, we contacted them remotely and did online counselling. Some patients who urgently needed Oral Chemotherapy medicines were visited all over West Bengal (with special permission from the Police). In addition, dry ration, Food Supplements, Hygiene Products, Chemotherapy Drugs etc were delivered to homes of many patients. Furthermore, activity kits were distributed amongst some children under our care, to keep them occupied during this phase of their lives.
Maran Das is a mason by profession and a resident of Nandarampur in Budge Budge in West Bengal.
At an age of 45, one day he noticed that drops of blood is coming out while urinating. His son rushed him immediately to the hospital where the doctor prescribed some tests and medicine and referred to KPC Medical College and hospital in Kolkata, WB. Upon conducting medical investigation, he was diagnosed with cancer and a surgery was suggested by the medical practitioner. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and the family of the daily wage earner was shattered. In addition to the perilous situation, he was referred to Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital in Hazra, Kolkata,WB due to unavailability of bed in KPC Hospital. Clueless about the condition and fearing the worst future, his son and wife broke down in tears while he was in ICU. Fortunately, Nabanita, one of the key members of CFF was present there and their situation caught her attention. On listening to the entire case history, CFF took the responsibility of confirming his bed in Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital for his treatment and provided with all the emergency medical care and other essential items. Not only arranging the medical aid, CFF also focused on the mental health and well being of his immediate family members, his wife and son.
Even during the strict lockdown due the COVID – 19 pandemic, CFF continued supporting them throughout. Other than the medicine and nutritious meal for the patient, CFF also helped the family with cash to run the family as the sole bread earner was slowly recovering at the hospital. Standing today, Madan needs our support to get well and run his family. His son wants to see his father healthy and his wife hopes to spend times together as a happy family. Come help us to bring smile in the faces of this poor family and make the world a better place!
Nandita is the bright young daughter of Bhola Malakar, a clay artist who makes idols of Gods and Goddesses for religious celebrations. In 2016, at the tender age of 10, she was diagnosed with cancer and blood leukemia. She was admitted to the Children Ward of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata under the supervision of CFF. Due to early detection and continuous monitoring by CFF team, her treatment proceeded in the right direction. But due to prolonged illness and hospitalization, Nandita was forced to remain confined in a medically supportive environment and had to give up on regular education resulting in absence from school. Being a child, she was slowly getting depressed, which became a major deterrent for her in terms of getting better as mental strength is of vital importance in the recovery journey of a cancer patient. The solution was ideated by the team CFF as they introduced the exclusive playroom for cancer-affected children in CNCI. It’s like a little world of hope and fun and laughter where Nandita, along with other children of her age, got a chance to play, learn, and have a good time, which kept them happy and provided the required will power to fight against the disease.
This initiative of CFF aimed at uplifting the morale of the patients and injecting the desired level of confidence to defeat the deadly disease of cancer. After a year of treatment, finally Nandita was discharged from the hospital and she returned to her mother, Bandana Malakar, and the family of four was reunited finally. Gradually, she returned to school where she was happily welcomed by her friends and teachers. Being a bright student, Nandita scored well in her exams, and now she is studying in the 10th standard. The Malakar family is now complete and living happily, but the fight has not ended. CFF ensures Nandita gets her nutritional supplements and other essential resources on a regular basis. CFF has vowed to keep the artist in Nandita alive and nurture the talent by keeping the deadly claws of cancer at bay. We need to support more cases like Nandita and help the little ones come out victorious in their fight against cancer.
Cancer Fight Foundation's association with Saroj Gupta Cancer Research Institute (SGCRI) goes back to 2016 since when Cancer Fight Foundation has been sincerely supporting the Stoma patients of the hospital by counseling them and offering aid wherever and whenever necessary. Cancer Fight Foundation is happy to announce that in recognition of its efforts, the organization has been allotted a room of their own at the hospital for the organization's smooth functioning. This was inaugurated by Dr. Arnab Gupta of Saroj Gupta Cancer Research Institute on 30th March '23.
The secret to happiness lies in helping others. Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of the poor