22nd September is a day conceived and ear
marked by Cancer Patients Aid Association over 12 years ago to bring
cheer, happiness and smiles to cancer patients all over the
country.... it's the time to celebrate Rose Day. A series of entertainment programs were
organised by the association from 16-24 September 2007 for the patients at
the various cancer treatment centers, lodges, hospitals and dharamshalas.
Snapshots of Rose Day 2007
Sunday,
16 September : Rose Day was launched at Cinemax Cinemas,
Versova with a screening of the movie "Dhamaal" for 250 patients
and their family members. This special screening was attended by it's
producer-director duo Mr. Ashok Thakeria & Mr. Inder Kumar and the
cast comprising of Arshad Warsi, Ashish Choudhary, Ritesh Deshmukh. Vivek
Oberoi and Shamita Shetty too joined them in their celebrations. They
distributed roses and gifts to the patients.
Tuesday,
18 September : Hobby
Ideas, India's first Craft & Hobby store, played hosted to 50 young
patients as a part of our Rose Day celebrations. The children
participated in craft and clay modeling workshops. Actresses Mallika
Sherawat and Tara Sharma joined in the festivities too.
Wednesday,
19 September : Mumbai
played host to Ganpati from 15th to 25th September in an annual visit by
the god who removes all obstacles. Patients were taken to visit the famous
and most visited Ganpati Idol of Mumbai - 'Lal baug- cha Raja' along-with
their families and volunteers. It was a unique opportunity for these
children, since it typically takes 12-18 hours in queue before the general
public can get darshan.
Friday,
21 September : Over 500 patients and their families were
treated to a rib-tickling show of the inimitable Johnny Lever Show at St.
Andrew’s Auditorium – Bandra. Other than stand-up shows by Johnny
Lever the show included an orchestra band and dance program.
Saturday,
22 September : CPAA
staff and volunteers distributed roses and gifts to patients at 27 cancer
hospitals and sanatoriums in Mumbai on Rose Day. The hospitals covered
were Bombay Hospital, Tata Hospital, B. J. Wadia Hospital, KEM,
Hurkisondas, Masina Hospital, Prince Aly Khan, Breach Candy, Kikabai
Premchand Hospital etc. A choir group from St. Paul's cheered the
palliative patients at the Shanti Avedna Hospice with their songs. The
patients were then entertained by a group of children with their innocent
and lively songs and poems. The show stopper of the day was a dance
performance by the famous dancer- Sandip Soparkar and his dancers. A
special cake with all their names written on it was then cut by all of
them, followed by distribution of roses and gifts. The patients were
really touched by this gesture. An orchestra program was organised at
Mohan Dayal Sanatorium for all the patients and relatives. Former Miss
World - Diana Hayden graced the occasion and spent time with the patients.
She then launched a booklet - Leukemia par Amit Ki Jeet. The
information, in a colouring book format in Hindi, explains
cancer treatment in a manner easily understood by children. Copies of
these booklets may be obtained by calling 2492 4000/1856 or send an email
to patient.care@cpaaindia.org