Launch of music album: Author & patron of CPAA – Ms. Shobhaa Dé recently released a unique musical album based on her book 'Superstar India'. Created along with Miti Adhikari and Neel Adhikari, this is the first musical album which has been inspired by a book. The CD features melodic, soulful Indian classical renderings and earthy songs, through a very contemporary presentation - from Lounge to Trance, from Reggae to Club. It also has Shobhaa Dé herself reading a few passages from her book. This CD produced for Reliance Industries was launched by Mrs. Nita Ambani at the Oberoi Hotel Mumbai on 27th October 2008.

The proceeds of the album are to be donated to the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA).

Cancer Awareness Camp: As a part of CPAA's ongoing campaign to raise awareness about cancer, CPAA's Minal Parab, Kirti Dustakar, Piali Syam, Shital Raval and Shubha Maudgal visited Tata Consultancy Services facility at Vikhroli. For two days they interacted with employees, distributed brochures and spoke about the importance of early detection. A screening camp will be arranged by their HR department for the benefit of interested employees.

Affordable Cancer drugs: CPAA believes that medicines should not be denied to a patient simply for financial reasons. Every cancer patient has a right to life and must get the best treatment available today. We have started an initiative to unite various NGOs and help make the latest treatment options available to everyone who will benefit from them. To this end, an article that came out in the Times of India (Click to read article) helps to support the cause. An open letter will be sent to the Health Minister during the course of the Reach to Recovery workshop being organised from 15-17 th November.

In a gesture that warms the heart, a member of the public, who read the article, has graciously offered to pay for the Herceptin treatment of a less fortunate patient.

Susan Komen Foundation: Cancer Patients Aid Association played host to Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Founder of Susan Komen for the Cure, an organization named after her only sister, Susan, who died from breast cancer in 1980 at age 36. The organisation is one of the best known world wide for its efforts to build breast cancer awareness and financial support for patients. Ambassador Brinker spent time understanding CPAA's concept of Total Management of Cancer and visited the Rehabilitation centre as well.

PATIENT CARE DEPARTMENT REPORT: OCTOBER 2008

Diwali Celebration at CPAA Delhi: This year Diwali was celebrated with lots of fun and enthusiasm at CPAA Delhi. A painting competition was organized at the AIIMS Pediatric Ward on the 24th Oct. About 40 children participated in the competition, prizes were awarded and gifts distributed to all the participants. All the children helped decorate the playroom and the pediatric ward. A special Diwali pooja was performed in the Playroom the next day. All the doctors and the head of the department were present and actively participated in the ceremony. Shoppers Stop Delhi donated sweets, toys and bicycles for the children.

Chennai Branch: CPAA Chennai conducted a free breast cancer awareness & detection camp on 25th October at Hindu Mission Hospital, Tambaram (outskirts of Chennai) in association with Paterson Cancer Center and Hindu Mission Hospital. R.Radikaa Sarathkumar, a famous cine actor and C&MD of Raadan Media (I) Ltd inaugurated and presided over the camp. Out of the 70 women who participated, 6 were sent for further investigations and for whom free Mammogram and specialist consultation have been arranged. One of the major donors, Mr. Subramani, Chairman of Apollo Computer Education Ltd who attended the inauguration announced a spontaneous contribution of Rs 1 lac for further such awareness camps.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: 3-DAY REACH TO RECOVERY WORKSHOP - 15-17 November 2008: CPAA is organising a three day workshop along with Reach to Recovery International, International Union Against Cancer from 15-17th November, 2008. The aim is to enable women with breast cancer to receive psychosocial support using the Reach to Recovery concept and principles, that is to work through carefully selected and trained volunteer breast cancer survivors who have fully adjusted to their breast cancer treatment. The workshop provides initial training and introduces participants to ongoing continuing education sessions. Breast cancer survivors who would like to use their experience to help patients going though treatment may write to shubha.maudgal@cpaaindia.org or call CPAA on +91-22-24924000 for details.