National Cancer Rose Day 2006

In 1994, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first attempt at cancer patient support made by, we decided to reach out with a meaningful gesture to each and every cancer patient. We also wanted to use the occasion to motivate participation on a large scale and involve the general public in our cause of raising cancer awareness. This gesture took the form of a greeting to all patients in every hospital, clinic, hospice and treatment centre with a rose to convey a message of love and empathy. The idea caught on, and Rose Day became an annual event. Today the entire country  joins in enthusiastically in the exercise to distribute this floral tribute. Rose coupons are sold at various outlets and the response is always overwhelming. From cine celebrities to mill workers to school students, people from all walks of life visit patients in 33 hospitals, distributing gifts & roses.
This year Rose Day was launch amidst much fan fanfare at Taj Lands End, Mumbai by the honorable Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare , Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and Dr. S. J. Habeyab, the World Health Organisation Representative to India by presenting roses & gifts to cancer affected children.

SNAPSHOTS

Mumbai - 
On 22nd September, Rose Day, actors Sanjay Dutt and Mallika Sherawat, director Raju Hirani & cricketer Sandeep Patil and model & ex-Miss Word Yukta Mookhey, all visited different cancer wards at Tata Memorial Hospital with CPAA volunteers. More than roses and gifts which they distributed to the patients, they helped bring a little cheer into their lives. Over 150 volunteers from the city gave of their time and joined CPAA in to make this day a memorable one for cancer patients and their family members, throughout the city at various hospitals and treatment centers like Tata Memorial, Cama & Abless, BYL Nair, JJ, Nanavati, Breach Candy, P D Hinduja, Lilavati, Holy Family, Prince Aly Khan, Parsi General, Jaslok, S L Raheja, Bombay Hospital, K E M, Aasha Cancer, Lady Ratan Tata, Boman Dabur, Shanti Avedna, Harkishondas etc. Along with that different entertainment programs were organised at various centers like a Magic Show at J J Hospital, special screening of the movie "Phir Hera Pheri" at the Mohan Dayal Sanitorium, special screening of the movie "Hanuman" at Mhasker Institute, Bhajan Sandhya at Bharat Seva Ashram, Magic Show at Asha Cancer Hospital.

Delhi -
In Delhi the celebrations began on 19th September 2006 at the Park Hotel with a Fancy Dress Show.  About 20 cancer patients participated in the fancy dress show with each performing uniquely showcasing their talent like firing speech of Indira Gandhi, nasal tunes of Himesh Reshmaiya, superb stunts of Krishh, patriotic song by a soldier and much more. Geetika Ganju, presented the programme and made the event very interesting for the children. This was followed by a humorous skit by the students of The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj presented and their school band Nemesis, played few songs to cheer up the patients. Celebrities like Nafisa Ali, Sushma Seth, Anita Basu and famed designer Leena graced the occasion. CPAA distributed 50 umbrellas to all the patients.The Park Hotel sponsored the programme by welcoming 40 patients with roses and served high tea and gifted sweet packets to all the patients. The song Hum Honge Kamayab sung by all the patients, celebs and all present was a grand finale.

On 20th September CPAA celebrated Rose Day at the Pediatric wards of the AIIMS Hospital, with the patients alongwith the veteran actress & a longtime patron Ms Sushma Seth, Dr D K Sharma- Medical Superintendent and Dr Veena Kalra – HOD Pediatric Department. Sushmaji spent some time chatting with the 80 patients there, after gifting them with roses and a goodie bag. The goodie bag was filled with surprises like a video game, sketch pen set, coloring books, chocolates, biscuits, fruits & juices.

On 21st September, Spice World, Noida, invited 80 cancer patients for a special screening of the hit movie, ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’. They served sumptuous snacks, popcorn, fruit juices and cold drinks to all the patients during the movie. Patients had a gala time watching a hilarious movie with a moral teaching. This was followed by a short press meet.

On Rose Day, 22nd September, CPAA celebrated Rose Day at Cancer OPD and RT Department of LNJP Hospital. Dr Manoj Sharma – Onco Surgeon and Dr Bahadur – HOD Onco Department joined the CPAA volunteers to distribute roses and a gift bag to bring smile to the patients. Along with roses they gave away  - fruits, juices, biscuits, boost, food grains, clothes, face napkins etc.This was followed by similar program at Shanti Avedna Ashram for terminally ill cancer patients.

These celebrations brought in a lot of cheer and bonhomie amongst the patients. In short CPAA’s purpose of bringing cheer to the suffering of patients was fulfilled.

CPAA Delhi is grateful to The Park Hotel, Spice World, Mr RN Lakhotia, Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, Tagore International School, East of Kailash, The Heritage School, Dabur Real Juices, Glaxo Smithkline, Harvest Gold and Ruchi Kakkar for their support in making this event a big success.