In India majority of the cases of childhood cancer comes at the late stages for treatment at the hospital. In India, the estimate of undiagnosed cancer in children is 49%, which implies that, of the thousand aged 0-19 years in India who develop cancer every year, only half are diagnosed, and even smaller proportion initiate and complete treatment.
This is because majority of children with cancer are not been able to access care at tertiary centers in time. Due to lack of proper medical facilities and proper hygiene care in rural areas, many families with cancer affected children come to metro cities like Mumbai for treatment. Mumbai gets more than 30,000 such families for treatment annually which last about 2years. Many families get accommodation in health care centers managed by NGOS, While other resort to living on footpath or other unsafe accommodation in an unhygienic conditions. Due to this, ailing children gets secondary illness , which becomes the cause of majority of deaths many abandon treatment due to financial constrain.
As the District Chairperson of childhood Cancer, along with GST Chairperson Lion Manoj Babur, I undertook three different projects for Children with Cancer during October Service Week. It is said that Good Nutrition is very important for children with Cancer. It helps the child to heal from side effects of cancer treatment.
Nutritious food kits and hygiene materials was given to children with cancer and their families. Kits contained high proteins foods like soya, chana, peanuts, dal, toothpaste, bath soap, washing soap, towel, etc.
The donated kits contained 15 items and was priced Rs 900 for clubs. The
project was done in phases on 5th Oct, 14th Oct & 18th Oct, where 100 kits were distributed on each day to families whose children had Cancer. It was done at at Anand Clinic, near Tata Memorial Hospital. More than 60 clubs participated in this project & total more than 300 bags were distributed. District Governor & GST Chairperson Lion Manoj Babur attended all 3 days of the project. It was very well attended by many clubs members also.
Good moral story books in Hindi & Marathi were also donated to pediatric cancer patients who are palliative. About 20 books were donated by LC of Western Suburb to staff of palliative department who gave books to the palliative patients .
Half Kg Dry Fruits packets was distributed to 45 cancer affected children at Sant Gadge Maharaj Ashram, Dadar once in a month.
23 clubs participated in this project & got total confirmation of 139 dry fruits packets. On 16th Oct 45 packets were distributed along with biscuits to 45 children. Remaining of the packets will be distributed in month of November & December.
As a Lion our Goal should be spread awareness that it does not spread by touch, peneteration of service in remote areas, emotional, educational support children andemotional & financial support to their families. We can organize awareness progammes in
school and colleges for teachers as well as lion members, give nutritional support, guidance, residential support & help rehabilitation of patients & their families. We can also organized
recreational activities for the patients, like taking them on picnic or movies. Also can organize platelets donation camps & collect more and more units. So lets all come together & support
the kids with cancer.
Article submitted by: Lion Pinky Pratap MJF
Article Writer Bio– District Chairperson: Childhood Cancer
NGO Name: Lion Club of Bombay Airport, District 3231A3
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