As our years in the oncology department at Advanced Paediatric Centre of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research go by, we have understood and known that strength and positive outlook is in abundance in the children. These little ones show amazing courage and resilience; they indeed are examples for all around them. We as caregivers, parents, and volunteers are enthused with some of their spirit too. This year saw a lot of major developments and we along with the parents and doctors felt that our work with the cancer-afflicted children progressed well on almost all fronts. This year we were able to sponsor the treatment of more children, we were able to reach out to more families and were able to make a difference at large.

This year at the ICCCPO meeting at Barretstown, Ireland, Sahayta was awarded full membership and we are proud to say that Sahayta is being recognized for its work internationally. The ICCCPO meeting was attended by Dolly Soni and me and it gave us an insight into the approach adopted by the international organizations. We are trying our best to adapt the feedbacks according to our country’s needs so that we can provide adequate support to families fighting cancer.

As the joint celebration of International Childhood Cancer Day and Cancer Survivors’ Day was approaching, we decided to put up a fancy dress show. Since many children were from far off places, we started earmarking the participants almost two months before the function. In spite of the numerous odds against them, the children were greatly interested in presenting the show. Each one came out with his or her novel idea and helped us to choose a dress of his or her own choice. In some cases, their imaginations ran so wild that we went berserk searching for the suitable attire. 

Our efforts were well rewarded when children and their parents came forward for the celebration of childhood cancer day. The age groups were varied, ranging from 1½ years to 19 years and so were the backgrounds. They came from different parts of the country, spoke different languages, their perceptions were different but they shared the common platform where medicines and syringes, hospitals and doctors had become an integral part of their lives. Together they stood, united by their disease, in grit and determination to prove that they were the best. Though some children were on intensive treatment, they practiced the whole morning and staged the show in the evening.

Tiny tots dressed as animals, the youngest child Ripu, 11/2 years of age, was seen romping as a butterfly. There were others too, Purva (6 years) as rabbit, Rajan (3 years) as a mouse, Kamalpreet (5 years) as bear, Daksh (3 years) as a bird. They danced to the tunes of “chun-chun karti aayi chiriya”.

I would especially like to mention Rajan a 21/2 year old boy who was dressed up as a mouse and recited a poem too. It seems that though this is Rajan’s first visit to Chandigarh, to PGI, it is not the same for the family.  They have been to Chandigarh before, fifteen years ago when Rajan’s elder brother was diagnosed with ALL. For the family, the nightmare is being repeated.  Rajan’s elder brother was lost to ALL and the family’s worst fears had been confirmed. Rajan too has been diagnosed of suffering from ALL He requires intensive chemotherapy and prolonged hospitalization. The family is once again facing similar trauma, similar uncertainties and at the same time hoping that with improved methods of treatment and care, they will indeed win the battle. We at Sahayta as volunteers and caregivers, hope and pray that the family emerges victorious the second time. 

After the monkeys and bears came, Simran and Kavya dressed as fairies and Kush as Santa Claus. They indeed stole the hearts of the audience. Sapna, Monica and Sarita made breathtakingly beautiful brides. They wore mehandi on their hands and were dressed in their bridal finery.

A special tribute goes to Monica Sudan, a 12-years old leukemia survivor who had relapsed and was terminal at that time but made a pretty bride in pink lehnga-choli with dupatta (a long skirt, blouse and a long scarf). We lost her at the end of April but she will always remain in our hearts. Strange are the ways of God but I guess we cannot even question him! A life lost too soon – as mortals we finally have to accept what comes our way but definitely not before putting up a fierce fight. Maybe she was a favourite with God.

Young boys dressed as Bhagat Singh (Shivam,13 years), Army Officer (Pawan,14 years) and Police Official (Vinod, 12 years) marched to the tune of “nanha muna rahi hun“. The show culminated with the grand finale where each participant introduced him- or herself. And of course, last but not the least, we had Dr.Amita Trehan, Addl. Professor (Paediatric Oncology) as a Penguin (Pingu from cartoon network). She had merged so well with the children that almost no one knew till we asked her to address the audience. Three cheers for the supportive doc!

Sahayta volunteers were involved with the children at different stages of preparation. Mrs N. Tuli and Mrs. S. Bhan for active support and guidance. Mrs. Sharda Ahuja, Mrs. Raj Gupta, Mrs. Dolly Soni and Mrs. Mithilesh Indramohan worked whole-heartedly to bring out the best in each child. We all as a team choreographed and presented the show.