Winning against cancer

"Cancer well fought is vincible and the soldiers who have fought with valor require this recognition,” said noted oncologist Dr Boman Dhabhar referring to the 100 "winners” who were honored by the N. K. Dhabhar Cancer Foundation at the Ravindra Natya Mandir in Bombay on June 24, 2012, notes a write-up sent by the Foundation.

The Winners Meet was organized to motivate and encourage cancer survivors; fighting and winning the battle against the dread disease is no mean achievement. "The Winners Meet also helps to spread awareness of cancer and provides an opportunity to survivors to meet others who have been through the same experience. It promotes a feeling of camaraderie and provides a support system that helps them face life with positivity,” noted Villie Daruvala, consultant, training and communication and trustee of the Foundation.

Actor Boman Irani (first row, in dark coat) at cancer survivors’ meet

Celebrities from tinsel town were present to lend their support and hand over the awards. Boman Irani and Rajpal Yadav from Bollywood along with television actors Anupan Shyam and Smita Talwarkar did the honors, spending time with the successful cancer survivors. An hour long session of music therapy by Dr Rahul Joshi opened the event. This was a "feel good experience” to enable people shed their fears and inhibitions and express their inner feelings, mentions the write-up.

Launched in Bombay on June 5, 2011 in memory of Nariman K. Dhabhar, father of the oncologist, the Foundation carries out various activities to support cancer patients. Its objectives are to provide monetary and medical assistance for cancer treatment; spread awareness on prevention and early detection; strengthen the existing treatment facilities; provide palliative and terminal cancer care; promote research; and interact with national, international, government and professional bodies as well as nongovernmental organizations, lists the write-up.