Champion of the Month

Last week on 27th of February we awarded our first “Champion of the Month” for the year 2013 to Sangam Pandey & Sarthak Thete. Champion of the month is an initiative in the Hope: Care for Children with Cancer project, where we ‘reward’ a young cancer patient every month for their efforts, to undergo the almost killing treatment session with smile on their faces, finishing a course of medication, inspiration to other patients to undergo the treatment, etc.

Sangam Pandey is just 17 year old and was diagnosed with an acute form of bone cancer at Holy Spirit hospital. Sangam hails from a small city of Benaras. She is a 10th drop out. Last year around October she came to Bombay when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Getting diagnosed with cancer was traumatic but the main question was where will the money come from for the treatment of this dreaded disease? Fortunately for the family support – emotional & economic – came from the social work department of Holy Spirit Hospital & the Hope project team of Mumbai Smiles

It was a really tough time for Sangam and her parents as well when she was told by the doctors for getting her right leg amputated for survival. But she is a fighter. Her right leg is amputated now but she has still not lost her hope to live a healthy life. She read books in her leisure time to keep her engaged. This is why she is a real champ in life.

Sarthak Thete, is another champion in real life. He is just 3 year old and was nursery student when he got diagnosed with brain tumour last year in December at Lilavati Hospital from where he was referred to Holy Spirit Hospital. Little boy hardly knows what this word means? But his parents were really worried when they came to know about their son suffering from this dreadful disease. It was not just the matter of their son’s health but also the expenses for the treatment.

His parents are not tired of thanking the Hope project team of Mumbai Smiles and Social welfare department of Holy Spirit Hospital for providing them with financial and emotional support. And moreover this support was extended to them when it was most needed and all treatment started without any delay.

He has undergone 28 radiation sessions as of now. But still when people go and meet him he welcomes them with a mesmerizing smile on his face which can melt anyone’s heart. His fighting spirit is commendable.

To encourage Sangam & Sarthak, we named them “Champion of the month” for February, at a small event at Holy Spirit Hospital, attended by the representatives of the Hospital management, medical staff, Mumbai Smiles staff and beneficiaries of the Hope project and their relatives. Both of them were gifted colours, box, toys & drawing materials that they’re sure to enjoy.

Congratulations Sangam & Sarthak, and keep the fighting spirit high like this, we’re all with you!