Cancer is detectable and once it is treated it can be curable. Many of the high profile and celebrities are fortunate to get this detect in the initial period. And then they consult the reputed doctor and take treatments. What about the those who can’t afford – was my thought when I visited one hospital as part of volunteering. That hospital was located at the heart of the city. That was a government hospital, built more than four decades ago growing strongly without increase in beds. They had separate wing for children and we had planned to interact with these kids. We could count these kids but it was pain to see very young as two years old to fifteen years children staying in hope that there diseases is curable and they would lead a normal life. The bawling experience is to watch the needles in their wrists and hands accompanied with their parents. And these came from poor villages in and around the city. Few are staying for more than nine months and few visit regularly.
The stage is different but the podium is same. The pain is seen both in the eyes of the children and in the face of these kids and relatives. One can hear the loud cry of these kids when they are injected with medicines. The tears flow when we interacted with their parents. It’s a goosebumps moment cause we don’t know how to pacify and show compassion. Just to ensure they have few moment of laugh, Magic show as organized. The magician presented few tricks for an hour and it was an emotional moment to see the short lived happiness in the face of the kids. Even parents distressed for few seconds, however they might be crying deep within, when they compare with other kids. These kids are brave battling against poverty at one end and diseases at the other. They have the hope – they are treated and they will be out of Cancer to do something that they refer as CAN – SIR!
I have noticed media deliberating many a times on celebrities like Sonali Bendre, Irrfan khan, Vinod Khanna, Manisha Koirala: Liza Rai Rajesh Khanna Nargis Dutt, Feroz Khan,Rishi kappor etc who have overcome cancer. At times, the news reporters get emotional and seek prayers for these. One thing is common among the names from the Bollywood, they could afford treatment and consultation abroad. With good medical care, prayers from the fans and well-wishers and affordability many have won the battle. I think the media may be highlighting there struggle in overcoming the difficult period as a moral support and building confidence with the people who can look them as role models to overcome their battle on cancer.
I think, if media to highlights few of these kids suffering and overcoming – may be it opens up avenues for donners to collect funds for these under privileged. Hope we can at least “Pray” for these Kids!
Can(you) Sir!
