Nutritional Aid for Poor Women Fighting with Cancer

Lots of people think having cancer means you're going to die, but doctors say that's not always true. If we find it early and treat it, you can get better and live a normal life again. Treatment depends on what kind of cancer you have and how bad it is. Some people need surgery, while others take medicine like chemo or immunotherapy. But no matter what, eating healthy food is really important for cancer patients. It helps their body fight the cancer, heal faster and feel better during treatment.

When a woman from a poor community gets cancer, her family faces a tough battle. They struggle to put healthy food on the table because cancer treatment costs a lot of money. Sometimes, even after using up their savings or borrowing money, they still can't afford nutritious meals. It's heartbreaking to see families sacrificing everything for their loved one's treatment, but not being able to provide the nourishment she needs to fight the disease. They want the best for her, but financial constraints make it incredibly difficult.

Doctors say that eating well is important for fighting cancer. In rural areas of Kerala, women from marginalized communities might not know much about why it's important to eat healthy food for themselves and their families. They might not have information about what kinds of foods are good to eat or how to prepare them. Also, in some places, it is seen as more important for men and kids to eat well than for women. So, women often focus on making sure their families have enough to eat, even if it means they don't get enough food for themselves.

Women with cancer from these poor families might not get enough nutritious food. This can make them more likely to become malnourished. When you're malnourished, your body's defense system gets weaker, making you more likely to get sick. It also makes cancer treatment less effective. Stress and worry about the illness can also affect their appetite. It is sad to see them struggle like this. Helping these families get better food and support can make a big difference in the patient's health and recovery.

Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS) has been at the forefront of social transformation of the less privileged and over the years, it has supported more than 100,000 families through various developmental programs. KSSS has identified 50 beneficiaries residing in the rural areas of Kottayam district in Kerala who belong to low-income groups and are fighting their battle with cancer. KSSS provides a family of four with adequate monthly ration. This ensures that the poor women are provided with wholesome meals at home, enabling them to fight cancer better. Moreover, KSSS also provides nutrition counseling and educational sessions to women and their families, empowering them to make informed decisions about their dietary choices and health.

Our monthly ration bundle contains items like matta rice, multigrain wheat flour, moong dal, chickpeas, rice bran oil, peanuts, eggs, rock salt, dry fruits, milk powder and oats.

With the right nutrition and care, rural women experiences:

• Reduced side-effects and treatment complications

• Fewer breaks or delays in treatment

• Improved chances for survival and positive treatment outcomes

• Better immunity against infection

• A feeling of being supported and cared for

The cost of providing nutritional kit to a woman suffering from cancer is about Rs. 34,400 per year.

Cancer is absolutely curable. Sadly, many families can't afford the nutritious food needed to help women beat cancer. A little love and support from you can make a big difference for women fighting cancer. With your help, they can afford nutritious food, finish their treatment and have a chance to lead healthy and productive lives in the future.

Donate to give life-saving nutrition to poor women suffering from cancer and give them the strength to fight cancer.