Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 5: Canara Organization for Development and Peace®, here and Caritas India, in collaboration with JCI Mangaluru Disha and KMC Hospital Mangaluru jointly observed World Cancer Day on February 4 at CODP, Mother Theresa Hall.
The campaign theme ‘I Am and I Will’, seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic belief that nothing can be done about cancer, and instead promote how our personal actions can be powerful and impactful. CODP through its SPARSHA programme spreads awareness on cancer through talks, screening programmes, street plays, hair donation drives, awareness on healthy lifestyle, motivates the poor to enroll for Ayushman Bharat etc so that the mortality rate of cancer is reduced through early detection, screening and diagnosis.
The programme began by invoking God’s blessing through a prayer song led by the staff of CODP.
Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. He addressed the gathering by giving them information about the Sparsha campaign against cancer and the significance of the event. He also cleared the false notion about hair donation.
Dr Harish from the Oncology department of KMC hospital explained in detail the symptoms of cancer, ways to identify it and how to prevent it. He urged the people to follow a healthy lifestyle and consume healthy food.
Fr Francis Xavier Gomes shared his testimony about how he fought cancer bravely.
Sowjanya Hegde JCI explained about JCI activities and its focus on community development.
40 hair donors from different age groups donated their hair on the occasion of World Cancer Day, which was appreciated by all. The special highlight of the event was Clide who came forward to donate his hair for a great cause. All hair donors were very glad to have got the opportunity to donate their hair. As a token of gratitude, they were honored with a certificate and memento.
This drive aimed to instill hope among the cancer patients from poor families who have lost their hair during treatment and that they can gain confidence. The donated hair would be sent to Hairbank at Thrissur to provide wigs for cancer patients free of cost.
Mercy Beauty Salon, Suma Beauty Parlour, Monalisa Beauty Parlour, Prathibha Beauty Salon and Prits Beauty Salon rendered their services as volunteers for the programme.
CODP staff, Lenet Gonsalves and Mamatha compered the programme. Fr Vincent D'Souza, designate director of CODP proposed the vote of thanks.
Shilpa D'Souza, the Sparsha coordinator worked hard to make the programme a success.