With rapid innovation in science and medicine, the fatality rate among cancer-affected people is declining rapidly. However, there is when we look at the statistics involved, there is still much work to be done, especially when it comes to children who are suffering from cancer. Tackling childhood cancer involves more than proper and timely treatment.
We, at St. Judes, strive to make sure that every single child undergoing treatment gets adequate care and support to live a happy healthy life. Holistic care, hygienic living conditions, proper nutrition, educational sessions, transportation facilities, individualised counselling and other beneficial activities have made St. Judes – ‘a home away from home’ for childhood cancer patients.
This is our story
The sight of young children, smiling and dancing with utmost joy during a function caught the attention of Mr. Nihal Kaviratne. The reason for his amazement was that these youngsters were joyful even during the most challenging time of their life – while battling cancer. He also began to think of the challenges faced by the children and their families. While undergoing childhood cancer treatment, most of the families who come from small villages to big cities have nowhere to stay and are forced to take shelter on roads or pavements. This was the inspiration for the establishment of a ‘home’ where children and their families could reside while undergoing cancer treatment while also receiving proper nutrition, staying in hygienic conditions and availing of timely counselling. In every true sense, ‘a home away from home’!
“Anything is possible. Anything can be.” – Shel Silverstein
Beginning in 2006, our first centre in Mumbai housed and cared for eight children and their families. Today we serve 492 childhood cancer families throughout India across nine cities and 39 centres.
Our centers are located at –
Delhi – 5 centers accommodating 51 children.
Chennai – 2 centers that accomodate 24 children.
Mumbai – 19 centers across three locations which care for 217 children.
Guwahati – 2 centers which will accommodate 24 children.
Hyderabad – 1 center with 20 children.
Jaipur – 3 centers that accomodate 40 children.
Kolkata – 3 centers across two locations with 62 children.
Vellore – 2 centers accommodating 22 children.
Varanasi – 2 centers which look after 32 children.
“Nothing is particularly hard if you break it down into small jobs.” – Henry Ford
We recognise that the ongoing childhood cancer treatment process has three important steps:
High-quality medical care provided by the treating hospital.
Pleasant physical ecosystem required by the child undergoing cancer treatment.
Emotional support and care needed by the children and their families.
While the first step is taken care of by our wonderful partner doctors and hospitals, we try to cover the second and third steps with utmost care and dedication.
With your generosity, love and support we have been able to take care of children suffering from childhood cancer for over 15 years and we thank you for your care and good wishes. Over the course of the next five years, we envision doubling our capacity to support at least 1,000 children and their families every day.
To do this, we relentlessly continue to build deep and meaningful relationships with our partner hospitals, relying on their expertise and knowledge to help us fulfil our promise that ‘until cancer doesn’t stop, neither will we’.
Thank you for being an important part of St. Judes family!
