Cancer – this word sends chills down the spine whenever we hear it. While various advancements in medical science have increased the prognosis of cancer, the pain, the suffering, the fear and the sense of helplessness remain the same.
Consider the hours and days immediately following one’s cancer diagnosis. They undoubtedly experience various feelings, such as disbelief, bewilderment, and panic. They might have felt alone even while being surrounded by loving family members and friends who wanted to do anything they could to support them.
While the loneliness is real, this is also when one steps back and takes a stock of their life. The near-fatal disease compels people to do so. And much like many life-altering experiences, many cancer survivors decide to support countless people who are going through difficult times in their lives themselves.
Giving back to others and oneself through volunteering
Even the most self-reliant persons require assistance to get through cancer care. Throughout the battle with illness, they were given a selfless gift every time they were able to count on others for help. They can pass on the favour by assisting others now as their cancer struggle is done and won. Helping others is a win-win situation where volunteers and beneficiaries substantially benefit from their efforts. Here are some of the things one can do to make a difference:
- Assist sufferers and their family members one-on-one.
- Donate your time and skills to one of the several charitable organizations that work to raise funds for cancer patient care or cancer treatment.
- Participate in a support group to assist sufferers.
- Join some of the Facebook groups or anu other social media groups that offer support services to people who can’t leave their homes.
Champions who have made an impact on others’ lives through their work
Anchal Sharma
Anchal Sharma, a breast cancer survivor, founded the non-profit organisation Meals of Happiness, which assist in feeding the hungry and served as inspiration for her battle with cancer.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh, a former cricketer for India and a lung cancer survivor founded the Yuvraj Singh Foundation, which focuses on cancer-related issues by spreading awareness about cancer preventive methods, the value of routine screenings, and the signs and symptoms of cancer through its cancer awareness campaigns.
Lance Armstrong
This Texas cyclist, who received a testicular cancer diagnosis in 1996 founded Livestrong Foundation, which has generated more than $500 million since 1997 to motivate and support cancer patients and their families and is still going strong.
Megha Ahuja
Megha Ahuja and her brother founded an NGO named Sashakt Cancer Foundation because of their interactions during their mother’s ovarian cancer treatment. This NGO raises awareness regarding cancer diagnosis because most people disregard their symptoms as being extremely minor and fail to receive a thorough diagnosis.
Offering help based on personal experience can be a great comfort to others going through similar trying circumstances. At the same time, it is also inspirational for all those who want to make an impact and spread happiness.
