Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Feb 15: Tulu and Kannada film actor Prathik Shetty on Thursday February 15 inaugurated the 'International childhood cancer day' organised by the department of paediatrics at KMC Hospital Attavar, here.
Addressing the gathering, Prathik Shetty said, "It is an honor to be part of this wonderful event. Cancer has had a deep impact in my early life. I have seen and understood what it is. The thing we lack when it comes to problems like this are that very less people are involved other than the ones who are supposed to be here. We should try to involve more number of people into this as very less people know that this day has a great significance. We should have a spirit that never gives up as there are lovely people out here who have fought cancer and are still battling it out. I congratulate all the nurses and staff for working day and night making sure that parents and patients will not be left out. I thank everyone for their continuous support and care. Let us not see cancer as a disease, but take it as a challenge and support one another. When we come to hospital as a patient with a disease, we do not have a clue about what is happening within us and we just come with hope. Along with Infinity Entertainment, we took up this initiative on cancer where we organised calendar shoots involving 12 models and 12 girl children suffering from the illness. A photo shoot was done and 1,000 calendars were printed out of which we were able to sell around 600 calendars and collected a good amount for this cause.
Associate dean KMC Manipal, Dr Alfred said, "The real guests of honour for today's programme are the children. There are many heroes present here especially the parents of the children who are fighting for this and placing great hope on their children. That is why this event is important for us to show our solidarity. Parents should stand by their children. Harsha Prasad and his team have treated several children in getting specialists to treat them. I appreciate the nurses and staff who are the unsung heroes, for the way they interact with the children and for treating them well. I wish the children all the best for their healthy recovery."
Fashion Designer Meghana Shetty and owner of LOL studios, Poornima Shetty handed over a cheque of Rs 86,565 which was the collection received from the sale of the calendsrs.
Medical superintendent KMC Hospital, Dr Anand Venugopal said, "I complement the department of paediatrics for organising this event. Since Harsha Prasad took charge, there has been good development and better clinical outcome has been proved. It is our intention to develop in each department to have better clinical outcome. Our university chancellor has clearly stated quality health care to be provided at an affordable price. This can happen only when there is a department within the department and we will be following this."
Dr Harsha Prasad, Pediatric Hemato Oncology welcomed the gathering. Dr Soundarya rendered the vote of thanks.
Head dept of Paediatrics, Dr Kamalakshi Bhat and others were present.
The formal function was followed by fun activities conducted by R J Errol of 92.7 Big FM as well as a magic show.