Shradha Cancer Care Trust: an NGO for cancer patients at the foothills of the Himalayas

CANCER is a relentless adversary and for those without financial means, the battle becomes even more daunting. In Rishikesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dr. AK Dewan’s NGO for cancer patients has emerged as a compassionate force, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of underprivileged cancer patients. Shradha Cancer Care Trust operates Ganga Prem Hospice which has become a lifeline for over 16,000 individuals who were forsaken by their families due to the economic burden of cancer treatment.

Mission and approach

Dr. AK Dewan, a stalwart in the field of oncology, embarked on a mission that extends beyond medical care. His vision was to establish not just an NGO for cancer patients but also a last chance for those facing the dreaded disease. The heart-wrenching reality is that many cancer patients, particularly the elderly from financially weak backgrounds, find themselves abandoned in their most vulnerable moments. Dr. Dewan emphasizes the importance of caring for these patients as one would care for their own family members.

Ganga Prem Hospice at Rishikesh

The cornerstone of Shradha Cancer Care Trust, an NGO for cancer patients in Uttarakhand, is the Ganga Prem Hospice situated in Rishikesh. This facility serves as a haven for cancer patients, providing not only medical treatment but also emotional support. Dr. Dewan’s commitment extends beyond the hospice’s walls, with the trust reaching out through home care services and weekly clinics in various areas of Uttarakhand. This outreach by the compassionate NGO for cancer patients is crucial in addressing the immense need for palliative care in a country where a staggering number of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. To support Shradha Cancer Care Trust, you can donate here.

Challenges faced by abandoned cancer patients

Dr. Dewan and his NGO for cancer patients shed light on the grim reality faced by abandoned cancer patients. Neglect often leads to deteriorating conditions, with open wounds requiring regular dressing and the need for proper nutrition through tube feeding. Without medical intervention, these patients grapple with pain and the harsh reality of survival each passing day. The emotional toll of abandonment exacerbates their plight. This is why Shradha Cancer Care Trust is an NGO for cancer patients with a difference. 

Urgent need for palliative care

In India, more than 1.5 lakh cases of cancer are reported annually, and a significant proportion is diagnosed at advanced stages. Dr. Dewan and his NGO for cancer patients highlight that over 40 lakh people urgently need palliative care, but less than 1 percent of patients receive it. The financial constraints make hospitals inaccessible for many poor cancer patients who cannot afford basic pain medication. Dr. Dewan and the NGO for cancer patients make a heartfelt appeal, urging support to reach as many patients as possible, enabling them to fight cancer and alleviate their suffering.

Real-life stories of resilience

The narrative of the NGO for cancer patients becomes even more poignant through real-life stories, such as that of Asha Devi. A 50-year-old battling cervical cancer, she faced eviction from her only refuge due to the stigma associated with the disease. The intervention of Ganga Prem Hospice’s medical team prevented her from enduring further suffering, showcasing the tangible impact of Shradha Cancer Care Trust’s work.

Saubhagya’s story

The case study from this NGO for cancer patients sheds light on Saubhagya, a resilient young girl who faced the profound loss of her father to cancer. Ganga Prem Hospice played a pivotal role, not only offering essential pain management during her father’s illness but also providing crucial financial aid to ensure Saubhagya’s uninterrupted education journey. Living in Rishikesh, Saubhagya’s family heavily depended on her father, Mr. Jayant, as the sole provider. The NGO for cancer patients stepped in with support, offering pain and symptom management during Mr. Jayant’s terminal illness.

After his passing, the NGO for cancer patients extended its compassionate assistance to Saubhagya, covering her educational expenses, including school fees, textbooks and essential materials. This financial aid from the NGO for cancer patients alleviated the burden on her shoulders, enabling her to continue her education without impediments. Recognizing the emotional toll of losing a loved one, especially for a young child, the NGO for cancer patients also provided counseling services to help Saubhagya cope with grief, anxiety and emotional challenges, contributing significantly to her overall well-being and academic success.

Empowered by the unwavering support of this NGO for cancer patients, Saubhagya transformed her grief into determination, emerging stronger in the face of adversity. Despite the personal loss, she remained dedicated to her studies, achieving academic excellence with high grades and active participation in extracurricular activities. Saubhagya’s inspiring journey showcases the transformative impact of Ganga Prem Hospice, not only in alleviating the immediate challenges faced by cancer patients but also in fostering resilience and empowering individuals like Saubhagya to pursue their dreams despite life’s adversities.

Support Shradha Cancer Care Trust on Give.do

Shradha Cancer Care Trust, under the compassionate leadership of Dr. AK Dewan, stands as a source of comfort and hope for abandoned cancer patients in Uttarakhand. By addressing the medical, emotional and financial challenges faced by these individuals, the NGO for cancer patients exemplifies the true spirit of humanitarianism. As the NGO continues its noble mission, the call for support resonates louder than ever, urging us to join hands in the fight against cancer and in providing solace to those in their most vulnerable moments. To support Shradha Cancer Care Trust, you can donate here.

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