Cancer Patients Aid Association's (CPAA) E-newsletter: July - August 2012: Total Management of Cancer

: CARING WITH STYLE 2012 :

: CARING WITH STYLE 2012 :

CPAA and Pidilite Industries Ltd hosted its much awaited 7th Annual 'Caring with Style' Fashion Show, at The Lalit Hotel, Mumbai on 1st July 2012. This initiative is a part of Pidilite's continuous commitment to support children suffering from cancer for the 7th year in succession. At the event, 101 style icons from the film fraternity, prominent industrialists and achievers from different walks of life, like Auyushman Khurana, Omi Vaidya, Zarine Khan, Vidya Malvade, Shamita Shetty, Tanisha Mukherjee, Daina Hayden, Smriti Irani, Shalini Thackrey, Sheetal Mafatlal, Shibani Kashyap, Mona Singh, Vidyut Jamwal, Sophie Chaudhary, Suchitra Pillai, Shahzaan Padamsee , Alyque Padamsee, Leena Mogre, Aashish Chaudhary, Suchitra Pillai, Harsha Bhogle, Neetu Chandra, Shailendra Singh, Diana Eduljee, Manju Nichani sashayed down the ramp dressed in creations by Manish Malhotra and Shaina NC. The ever gorgeous Priyanka Chopra looked stunning as the show stopper in a Manish Malhotra creation.

The event is known for its glamorous and stylish appeal, but equally for raising funds for the treatment of our patients. CPAA's patron Shaina NC said, "We have received immeasurable support for children suffering from cancer through this event in the past, and this year too we have received overwhelming response." Manish Malhotra added, "It gives me immense satisfaction to be a part of such a noble cause which not only raises funds for children afflicted with cancer, but also celebrates fashion."

Commenting on the initiative, CPAA's Founder Chairman Y K Sapru said, "Through this show we are once again raising funds to save the lives of several children suffering from blood cancer." pictures >>

Dr. Ruksana Ladhani at support group meeting

A support group meeting of women cancer patients and survivors was organised at the Holy Spirit Hospital on 11th July. Dr. Ruksana Ladhani conducted a demonstrative workshop on 'Importance of Acupressure'. The participants were immensely benefited by learning some useful remedies. This was followed by a session on self- introspection. The support group meeting was both inspiring and refreshing for all the participants who have decided to come back for the next session in September. To attend a support group meeting email susmita.mitra@cancer.org.in

A cancer awareness lecture was conducted by CPAA's Neeta More on Tobacco & Diet at DAV High School, Malad for its 350 students of class 9 and 10 on 26 July.

CPAA runs a 3 day 'Psycho-Oncology Volunteers Training Programme' every month to educate individuals working in the field, imparting basic information regarding cancer, highlighting psychological, social and spiritual problems faced and how to help patients and family members cope. The programme was developed by a qualified clinical psychologist. The workshop conducted in August trained 7 participants from Mumbai and one from Kerala. To register or know more email susmita.mitra@cancer.org.in.

Mallika Sherawat celebrates Raksha Bandhan at CPAA

Actress Mallika Sherawat visited CPAA's head office on 4 August to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with childhood cancer patients. She tied 'Rakhis' on the young boys' wrists and distributed gifts to all. She spent time interacting with the kids, making this day really special for them.

A childhood cancer patients' support group meeting was organised for 30 childhood cancer patients and their parents at LTMG Sion Hospital on 14 August. Doctors from the pediatric ward also attended this meeting. The parents were given an opportunity to share their views and clear their doubts about cancer treatment and its management thereafter. The children were then treated to a wonderful evening of games, singing and dancing.

A breast cancer support group meeting was held on 9 July at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. In the first session Yoga Guru Mr. Ramneek Wig, a cancer survivor spoke about his journey from being a practicing lawyer to practicing yoga guru and author and how regular practice of Pranayama helped him to overcome his cancer. Next session was 'Good Bitter & Best' which was conducted by Ms. Vandana Natu, a film maker and breast cancer survivor. She discussed pertinent issues of breast cancer touching the right chord of the participants.

Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in the pediatric wards and day care center of AIIMS on the 1 August. Children visiting the AIIMS playroom, which is managed by CPAA, had made 200 rakhis during their art activity session. These rakhis were tied to the patients Independence Day at AIIMS playroom, Delhi

Independence Day at AIIMS playroom, Delhi

as well as those od resident doctors, creating a festive atmosphere in the wards where children were undergoing chemotherapy. A generous donor distributed sweets amongst the children. Such events reinforce a strong bond among patients and between patients and care givers.

The playroom of AIIMS was energized with patriotic ferver as the children sang popular patriotic songs with the tricolor in their hands as they celebrated Independence Day on 15 August. They sported tricolor wrist bands made earlier during their art activity class. Flag Foundation of India donated badges which were distributed to the nursing staff and resident doctors. Dr. Rachana Seth, Additional Professor Pediatric graced the occasion with her team and congratulated the children for this initiative.

A cancer awareness program were organised for the students of Abeda Inamdar Senior College and the employees of Central Bank of India's zonal office on 18th and 19th July.