Champion of the Month

Who is a champion?
The one who goes through the struggles of life; who fight and survive, they are the true champions. To honour such brave hearts and acknowledge their endeavours, we hold a ceremony called Champion of the Month. He/she is the one who is fighting cancer or chemotherapy and is still standing tall. He/she is the one who still adheres to treatment but never loses hope, that is our champion and to that child we salute.

Shivam with his mother and HOPE team coordinator.

This is an initiative by our HOPE project which provides psycho-social support and financial assistance to cancer children. Previous month, our champion was 5 years old, Shivam Gosai. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January 2015. Under the treatment of Dr. Nirmal Raut at Holy Spirit Hospital, he has completed 12 day care chemo cycles like a stud. On the 20^th of August, which was also his birthday, we awarded him with the reverence of being the Champion of the Month. This was taken place in the Chemo Ward O.P.D, Holy Spirit Hospital, Andheri (E)

Beneficiaries with Holy Spirit Hospital representatives and HOPE team coordinator.

It was a joyous event held in the presence of Holy Spirit Hospital representatives, HOPE team and its beneficiaries, their parents and siblings. It’s a way of providing support and letting the child know, “You are strong and we are always with you”. A cake was cut while the birthday song hummed in the background and he was showered with gifts and aspirations of a new tomorrow. The other beneficiaries were given Complan provided by CPAA (Cancer Patient Aid Association).

A special moment between Amin and Shivam.

When these celebrations were happening, one incident that truly moved us was the gesture of 8 years old, Amin Qureshi. We very vividly remember, on this very day, Amin was undergoing chemotherapy. Despite of the pain that it caused, this brave child stopped his chemo mid-way, took the in-charge Sister’s permission, and dressed himself up to join and honour Shivam. Dressed in his finest clothes, there he walked down the hall and gave Shivam a chocolate. It was a moment that stirred us and changed our lives forever. Children maybe innocent but they are also extremely valiant and dauntless in nature. It’s like they are born with a special power of endurance or they just care way too much about their fellow beings. Whatever maybe the case, it was a revelation of how sometimes kids can teach the adults the art of survival and comrade.

This was a day that renewed our faith in humanity and we learned the struggle behind a true survivor, a champion. We wish and pray for a speedy recovery of all the children going through the similar agonise and hope that their fearless attitude always remains undeterred.