'HOPE' certainly came alive at Mumbai's Shanti Avedna Hospice in Bandra on Sept. 22nd. Patients terminally ill, actually managed to get their voices going...singing, hands 'n' torsos swaying to the beat, even though many were tied down to their wheel chairs and beds. As one patient shared, "Today, my heart danced though I couldn't get my feet to the ground!"

Music was the language through which everyone communicated. A soulful band of Catholic priests that call themselves 'Ambassadors of Christ', delivered the 'Masala' - a heady cocktail of English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani songs. Noted singer, Kunal Ganjawala belted out his favourite numbers; Dr. Dilip Nadkarni and Leena Damle, soothed with their melodies stirring up myriad emotions and memories for the patients.

The icing on the cake was the kids of Podar School Santa Cruz (ICSE) who brought energy with their super dance performance - a combination of calisthenics, ballet and gymnastics.

It certainly was a wonderful evening... a moment of grace for both the giver and the receiver. This was the first of the patient-events that cascaded through the other Cancer centers and hospitals wards dotting Mumbai.

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A puppet-show, laughter-therapy and karaoke by Rasna, goody bags, toys and creative kits for the kids… a sumptuous meal for all, the evening was a complete stress-buster for Moms, Dads and 40 little moppets who’ve found their way to Mumbai for cancer treatment. The inmates partied and how! …

Definitely pain forgotten for a bit. You bet they slept well that night!

Close to 70 kids undergoing Cancer treatment left Wadia Hospital, Hematology Dept. on September 24th with beaming smiles, back-pack stuffed with goodies in hand and a song in their heart. Forgetting their worries and pain, these kids sang out loud, shook a leg, threw caution to the wind and danced like there's no tomorrow. Joining them in this 'Dance of 'Life' were their moms and dads who perhaps smiled in a long time, seeing their little ones so full of verve and spunk.

While a magician waved his wand and a puppeteer worked his charm, youth from Medical College and Podar College played host together with CPAA staffers & volunteers while Sandeep Batra of Indian Idol fame absolutely rocked the house/ ward ! One more fun-filled, life-giving morning, Nurses, Doctors, Patients all echoed, 'All is well ! '. The kids with stoic heroism drove home a strong message - The Present is a Gift -- enjoy the here and now !

Chocolate cookies greeted kid patients (200 each day !) at the OPD Clinic for the week starting Sept 23rd. A power-packed performance by Bollywood singer Shriram Iyer on Sept 26th in the Cafeteria got close to 200 patients together to sing out, dance and celebrate life…against all odds.

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New Delhi branch organised an event for childhood cancer patients, receiving chemotherapy treatment support through the Global Charity Foundation, USA on the eve of Cancer Rose Day. The event was sponsored by Hilton Hotel, New Delhi. The management of Hotel Hilton believe that there is nothing more satisfying than children smiling, especially when they are battling with cancer. As promised it turned out to be a truly a memorable day for the children. The children were taken for joy rides at the Amusement Park in Noida. It was overwhelming to see the involvement of the caring executives of Hotel Hilton who personally accompanied the children for the rides and served specially cooked lip smacking food throughout the day. Children were also given goody bags while returning home.

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