SOLACE FROM THE SURVIVOR: CANCER SURVIVORS MEET – 2015

Survivors of serious illnesses often speak the same language. The pain and suffering that they have experienced can best be understood by those who have journeyed through a similar harrowing path. The Department of Medical Oncology, Muthoot Medical Centre, Kozhencherry, brought together cancer survivors to the Cancer Survivors Meet, a forum where the survivors experienced the fellowship and togetherness of a steady band of supporters, who in each one’s own way had withstood the trauma of this soul crushing disease.

The meet was Inaugurated on January 31, 2015 by  Rt. Rev. Dr. Sam Mathew Former Bishop, CSI, Madhya Kerala Diocese. Delivering the keynote address, Rev. Dr. T.J. Joshua, Professor, Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam and Director, Mar Gregorios Karunya Nilayam, Kottayam strongly voiced the need for enhancing palliative care. Addressing the assemblage, both Dr.George Alexander Muthoot,MD,Muthoot Group and Dr.Georgie Kurien Muthoot, Executive Director, Muthoot Healthcare were unequivocal in their commitment towards establishing the Healthcare division as an effectual means for supportive ongoing cancer care.

Organizing this meet coincided opportunely with World Cancer Day, celebrated on February 4.The seventy plus group of cancer survivors agreed to unite themselves under this common banner and was also instrumental in forming a committee to formalize the meet and stay in touch. With a few survivors recollecting their courageous fight against cancer through testimonies, most were reassured that they now had a common bond coupled with the emotional and social support from the healthcare provider.

The formation of this club in a rural area is unique because it demonstrates that care is not limited to just treatment but is continued and ongoing.Also,with the new Cancer centre project within the campus of Muthoot Medical Centre, Kozhencherry ,in its final stages of completion, comprehensive cancer care and treatment will be a dream well within reach.