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Diwali,
2001
Diwali, 2001
The Rehabilitation Centre was started as a part of CPAA's commitment to provide "Total Management of Cancer" for patients. Too often the costs of cancer treatment turn out to be overwhelming even for the relatively well to do. Patients from out of town run out of funds. Enforced absence while undergoing treatment or amputation of limbs sometimes results in loss of jobs. In many cases, patients have been forced to abandon treatment halfway. The Rehab Centre provides jobs for cancer patients and their family members. This helps patients to earn a living, maintain their families and bolster faltering self-respect. It also generates a feeling of brotherhood among people who are facing similar trials and tribulations. Some products made at the Centre are terracotta diyas and statues, papier-mache gift boxes and trays for distributing sweets manufactured especially with Diwali in mind. The Gift Shop of The Rehabilitation Centre has become well known over the years for these beautiful and unique items. In the run up to Diwali, CPAA participates in sales and exhibitions held at various locations in Mumbai, organises sales of its own, displays the products at shops who sell them and execute orders for diyas to companies who give them out as corporate gifts. A few days before Diwali, the Centre is busy packing sweets and chocolates for customers. In all cases, customers are pleased with the quality of the items, the attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. This year, perhaps as a reflection of the ongoing recession, retail sales were disappointing. However, the department was able to compensate with a phenomenal collection of over Rs. 20 lakhs in diyas alone through wholesale orders. This is especially creditable since wholesale rates are significantly lower than retail rates and far greater efforts were therefore called for. Large orders for diyas were received from companies and hotels including HDFC Bank (80,000 diyas), Lupin Laboratories, Radhakrishna Hospitality Services and Taj Hotels (Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, Chambers Club and the Cake Shop). A single order of Rs. 8 lakhs was executed for Unichem Pharma for distribution by their medical representatives. Shops who stocked our merchandise include Westside (at all seven branches country wide), Contemporary Arts and Crafts (Juhu and Nepean Sea Road), Crafts and Weaves (Chennai and Cochin) and Tressorie. For the first time The Bombay Store stocked our diyas at their branches at Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore and also at outlets at Mumbai's international and national airports and reported extremely good sales. Jindal Vijaynagar Steel, The New India Assurance Company Limited, RPG Life Sciences Ltd, Singhania Eyelets Inc, Aashdip Holdings Private Ltd, System Technologists Pvt. Ltd, HS Engineering and Marketing Services, JW Marriott Hotel also gave us orders for their Diwali greeting cards. Orders for sweets packaged in papier-mache trays and boxes were executed for Ms. Nita Ambani. The Rehab centre was also asked to prepare special gifts for invitees to her birthday party, an order which CPAA treasures as a highly valued mark of satisfaction from a discerning lady. The Gift Shop also participated in the 'Society' exhibition at the World Trade Centre.
As a climax to the Rehab Centre's Diwali related activities, a party was held for 200 patients and their family members at the Srimati Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre. The party started with an entertainment programme of mimicry and a magic show. There were mehndi and tattoo artists, candyfloss, ice golas and a potter with his wheel who made pots for each patient to take home. The patients were thrilled to meet their favourite heroes from Bollywood, Anil Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. Both actors took time to talk to the patients, pose for photographs and share their stories.
The party presented an opportunity for the department to felicitate some outstanding contributions to their activities. Mrs. Indira Gurtu was thanked for her efforts in arranging donations for specialized machines. Janardan, Shobha, Sangeeta, Rajesh, Israr and Rajshree were some of the students who were praised for their excellent work and Shahid was given a prize for his singularly successful rehabilitation. Mr. Anil Kapoor gave them awards of pressure cookers and Walkman cassette players. Mr. Gunwant Sheth, Social Worker was present at the party. Mr. Madanlal Dalmia distributed the Diwali bonus cheques. Many thanks to Ms. Tina Ambani who sponsored the entire party. The fun and games would not have been possible but for her generosity. Special thanks must be given to Ms. Alka Kapadia, Neeta More and Anita Peter for their cooperation and coordination in ensuring that the party a huge success. The party was covered in the press and media thanks to the efforts of Ms. Minal Parab. After the hectic and productive activities of the previous months, Ms. Manju Gupta, Executive Director of the Rehab Centre and her team consisting of Benita Quadros, Ashwini Chalke, Zulekha Sheikh, Shobha Chigmati must have had a satisfying Diwali. It was a truly creditable effort leading to record collections. Cancer Patients Aid Association has always recognised the importance of delivering talks that are aimed at spreading awareness about cancer, it's causes and prevention, dispelling the fear associated with the disease by projecting a realistic and scientific picture and propagating the importance of early detection. Lectures have been delivered at factories, mills, offices, schools and colleges. Under this programme, lectures were held at Nehru Nagar, Vile Parle; Dharavi; Anushakti Nagar and Wagle Estate, Thane during October and November. Prevention and Early Detection
27 camps and OPDs were held during the month of October. Out of the 14 camps held, 3 were organised for the Station Health Organisation-Army; 2 each for Lion's Club, Byculla, Aga Khan Jamatkhana, Dahisar, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Rotary Club of Bombay Pier & Sea Pearl and NABARD Employees' Association and one camp was held for V-Care, a non-Governmental organisation. A total of 541 people, 264 males and 277 females were screened in the camps and clinics. 126 people were advised follow up. 13 OPDs and clinics were held during the month. 76 males and 149 females were screened. 75 people were advised follow up. 23 camps and OPDs were held during the month of November. Out of the 11 camps held, 4 were organised for NABARD and HDFC Bank; 2 for Giant's Group, Byculla and one for Lion's Club, Chembur. A total of 541 people, 287 males and 263 females were screened in the camps and clinics. 118 people were advised follow up. 12 OPDs and clinics were held during the month. 85 males and 111 females were screened. 43 people were advised follow up. Smt. Lila Kishanchand Shahani Clinical Diagnostic Centre The Smt. Lila Kishanchand Shahani Clinical Diagnostic Centre screened 290 persons during October and 268 persons during November. 1430 tests were performed, out of which 1101 were pathology tests, including 51 tests done for HIV. 180 sonography, 108 x-ray and 41 mammography investigations were carried out including 11 which were done free of charge under the Well Woman Clinic scheme sponsored by Voltas Limited. A 55-year-old woman, who was detected with breast cancer during an OPD at Naigaon, is now undergoing treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital.
With the 37 new policies registered in October, the total number of policyholders crossed the 7000 mark for the first time. This has largely been due to the tireless efforts of the entire Cancer Insurance Policy department, Alka Kapadia, Anita Peter, Gorethi Rodrigues, Poonam Bhovar, Jyothi Dias and Manasi Talele. While the evident aim of the department is to provide coverage for costs towards treatment of cancer, the underlying motive is to coerce healthy persons to get regular cancer detection tests done on an annual basis. In this, the department has been singularly successful. With 29 detected cases, the department has also provided much needed mental, emotional and monetary support in a timely manner to those who most need it. During October 89 people were examined, of whom 26 had come for the first check-up and 62 for renewal check up. Similarly, during November 86 people were examined, 25 for the first time and 61 for renewal check up. 95 claims have been settled till date.
At Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre A total of 1305 patients were aided, counseled and given guidance at our locations in Mumbai-Srimati Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre, at Nair Radiation Centre, Cama & Albless, Wadia and Tata Memorial Hospitals and the Palliative Care Unit at TMH during the months of October and November. 398 patients availed of ambulance facilities, including 8 patients who availed of the stretcher service for long distance. 150 persons were given clothes, 105 packets of biscuits and 140 boxes of Complan were distributed. 22 home and institutional visits were made. 13 of our patients expired. Donations amounting to Rs. 1,10,001 were collected. Rs. 4,87,967 was disbursed. At Tata Memorial Hospital: Room No. 189, Golden Jubilee Block 435 patients were aided, guided and counseled by CPAA's Halima Aurangabadkar at Tata Memorial Hospital's Golden Jubilee Block Room No. 189 during October and November. 650 packets of biscuits were distributed. 71 patients were given clothes, 16 kgs of sweets were distributed. 18 referred cases were helped. 30 ward visits and 3 home visits were made. 17 patients were given medicines and toys were distributed to 50 children. 316 patients were given Complan and Horlicks. 272 patients utilized the ambulance facility including 20 for long distance travel. "Can I Help You?" CPAA’s Desk at Tata Memorial Hospital’s Private OPD Jennifer Quadros helped 660 patients during October and 717 patients during November providing literature on various kinds of cancers to 404 patients and their family members, helping 288 in filling up registration and other forms and answering questions about the hospital for 501. 30 ward visits were made. Jennie had occasion to meet the parents of a 1-year-old child who was born with a tumour in his right thigh. The treating doctor feared that the baby's leg would have to be amputated. When Jennie conveyed this distressing news to the parents, they were understandably extremely upset and did not want to go through the operation. Jennie counseled them and explained that it could prove to be his only chance for survival. If, during surgery, it were discovered that the cancer had metastasised to the bone nearby, the doctor would have no option but to amputate the leg to prevent further spread. The parents steeled their hearts and finally agreed to the operation. It was as much a source of joy for Jennie as for the parents when the amputation was found to be unnecessary. The parents were overjoyed when they conveyed the news to "Jennie Didi".
At Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children Vinaya Chacko registered 28 new patients during the months of October and November. 596 patients attended follow up of whom 207 patients are undergoing chemotherapy. 70 patients were counseled and given guidance and 12 patients were visited in their wards. 8 group meetings regarding cleanliness and diet were organised and 80 children were given sweets, toys, biscuits, Complan and crackers for Diwali. Palliative Care Unit at Tata Memorial Hospital 40 patients, 23 males and 17 females were counseled during the months of October and November. There were 17 cases of Head and Neck cancers, 9 cases of cervical cancer, 7 cases of cancer of the abdomen, 2 cases of bone cancer and 5 other cases of cancer. Last month we reported the case of a repentant father who came back to support his ailing wife in her last days. But such happy endings are rare in today's world where cancer patients find themselves alone and defenseless when they most need care and affection from their loved ones. And it is usually women who suffer most in this regard. Indian women tend to their fathers, husbands and sons well beyond a stage when most would give up. But when a lone woman needs help, she is on her own. Such a case was that of a middle aged woman from a poor background who was terminally ill with cancer of the cheek. She had no children of her own and her husband refused to support her. When she turned to her brother, she found succor for only a short time before she was thrown out again. In the end, it was the good sisters at Shanti Avedana who shared her dying moments and made them peaceful and dignified. They became the family she had craved for during her lifetime. Counseling at Tata Memorial Hospital’s Radiation Treatment Centre Shubha Maudgal and Smita Khante counseled 108 patients regarding diet restrictions, care and cleanliness of the radiated part and boosting nutrition during radiation therapy during the months of October and November. Counseling at Cama & Albless Hospital Cancer Ward 75 patients were counseled and given guidance by Iva Athavia during October and November. Among these are 22 new patients. 28 patients were registered with CPAA. 75 ward visits were made. 2 patients were offered ambulance service. 31 patients were provided guidance regarding alternative therapy. 6 terminally ill patients were referred to Shanti Avedana Ashram. Rs. 17,732 was donated towards medicines and radiation costs. 45 patients were given boxes of Complan and 7 packets of chocolates were distributed. Nair Hospital (Radiation Department) During the months of October and November, 95 patients were counseled and given guidance at the Counseling Cell at Nair Hospital Radiation Department by Iva Athavia, out of which 45 were new patients. 9 ward visits were made. 5 terminally ill patients were referred to Shanti Avedana Ashram. 60 patients were given information about alternative forms of medicines. Rs. 31,351 was donated towards radiation treatment. 55 packets of biscuits, 40 boxes of Complan and 13 packets of sweets were distributed. 13 sets of clothes were given. The Rehabilitation Centre adopted three new patients during October. 160 patients were helped during October and November. 5 cases of mastectomy were attended and breast prostheses were provided during the two months. 413 patients were given rations worth Rs. 56,000. Rs. 37,325 was spent on teachers' salaries, for patient education and vocational training. Rs. 2.14 lakhs were spent on patients' wages and Rs.81,210 was spent on welfare activities, conveyance and diet supplements.
Cancer
Patients Aid Association Monthly Review is compiled by Dr. Shubha Maudgal
and printed by Mr. Suresh Mishra at Saraswati Printing Press Please
write in with your comments to: Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management
Centre, Anand Niketan, King George V Memorial, |
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Diwali,
the festival of lights, the celebration of the victory of good over evil,
when we invite Laxmi to enter our homes and ask her to bless us with good
fortune during the New Year, means very different things to the cancer
patient. Burdened with the high costs of treatment and the depression
associated with battling the disease, it becomes difficult to celebrate
Diwali with even a semblance of good cheer. It is at this time that The
Rehabilitation Centre of Cancer Patients Aid Association steps in to make
certain that our patients have the reason and the means to rejoice with
their families.
