Chennai: VS Hospitals hosted a Celebration event for Cancer Survivors in Chennai recently. The aptly named “Hope” saw heartwarming instances of cancer survivors narrating their ordeal with the dreadful disease and how they were able to defeat it with sheer will, hope and modern medicine. The event was presided over by Prof Dr S Subramanian, Chairman & Managing Director, VS Group of Hospitals. Former Superintendent of Police, Sri A Kaliyamoorthy IPS and versatile Tamil actor, Sri John Vijay participated in the event as Chief Guests. The VS Medical Trust organized this event at Hotel Abu Sarovar Portico, Chennai.
More than 150 people from all walks of life, participated and narrated their real life stories,that were filled with pain, passion, heartbreak, love, resurgence, triumph and above all, ‘hope’. The real motto of the evening was to instill that ‘hope’ among patients and general public. The event also served as a session of myth busters that are spun around cancer as a disease in general consciousness. It also served as a platform to showcase the advancement of science in dealing with diseases today in a more effective and at the same time putting the patient through as minimal hardship as possible. HOPE 2019 is the lamp that lights this beacon.
Prof Dr S Subramanian said “I have the unique privilege of being a close-quarter witness to the frustrating early days of oncology and the rapid progress this specialty has made in the information era. Such a survivors meet with so many in attendance would not have been a possibility few decades ago, but today it is as real as sunshine.” He further added “However in my 50 years of medical practise, it has always been the bravest and those filled with hope, who have managed to beat this disease in the days of inadequate medical facilities. Today we are ready to face any kind of challenge cancer might throw at us and can confidently say we can defeat it”
Sri A Kaliyamoorthy IPS remarked “Gone should be those days when people used to fear the treatment of cancer more than the disease itself. Modern science has brought to us very effective and multiple treatment options for cancer and these brave hearts who have spoken today, stand as living examples that add value to this fact.”
“Never before in history has mankind been prepared to face adversities like we do today. We are lucky to be living in the era of reasoning and constructive thinking.” said Sri John Vijay, while addressing the gathering at Hope. He further added “As an artist I take inspiration from real life to add more value to my work, and I’m happy discovering so many inspiring stories and incredible men and women today”
India has been facing a worrying upward trend in the incidence of cancers for the past three decades. This is majorly due to lack of awareness and late detection of the disease. In India cancers of breast, oral, and lung cavities accounts for 25% mortality in both men and women. The top five cancers in men and women account for 47.2% of all cancers. These cancers can be prevented, screened for and detected early and treated at an early stage. The intent of this program is to provide hope and guidance to those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer along with creating awareness among general public to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that they can prevent cancer to a large extent.
