From family members to close friends, everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer. On Saturday, February 13th, 2016, hundreds of people gathered at Palika Park, Connaught Place, and New Delhi to observe the silver jubilee of The Indian Cancer Society’s Emotional support group – Cancer Sahyog which was cohosted by NDMC. Doctors and cancer survivors presented 2 hours of pure joie de vivre – no talk of disease or death; just music and dance, to recognize the hard work done by doctors and to honor cancer survivors showcasing life after a cancer diagnosis is worth celebrating.
This day was paused to honor everyone who is living with a record of cancer – “A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life,” according to The Indian Cancer Society. To date ICS Cancer Sahyog has provided emotional support to 18750 individuals and financial assistance up to Rs 300,00,000.
The eventwas a joyful celebration where doctors and cancer survivors performed Nukkadnatak, Rajesthani Folk dance, Songs by Dr Prashant, Plays by Mercer, Ramp walk of doctors with their patients,Bhangra and free style dancing, etc providing an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, celebrate milestones, and recognize the healthcare providers, family, and friends who have supported them along the way. It was a day for cancer survivors to stand together and show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful, productive, and even inspiring.
ICS Cancer Sahyog was created in 1991,as a support group for people living with cancer and has been providingemotional and a measure of financial support to individuals and their families affected and afflicted with cancer. All members of Cancer Sahyog have had a personal encounter with cancer as survivors or immediate caregivers. Their blue-coated volunteer’s area beacon of hope to families affected with cancer. Hospitals especially appreciate their presence for the cheer and strong message they convey that cancer is surmountable. They are present in 10 leading hospitals of Delhi, namely Fortis, Artemis, Batra Hospital, BL Kapoor, AIIMS, IRCH, Medicity, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute
Indian Cancer Society-Delhi is a volunteer health organizationthat has been working in the field of cancer control for over 33 years through a twin pronged approach of awareness and preventive screening. ICS believes that an aware individual will be the key to effective cancer control and will help Indian Cancer Society – Delhi in its mission of the Conquest of Cancer by Choice not Chance.
