As a society, it is our responsibility to make sure every child with childhood cancer gets the best chance to beat the disease. Cancer not only affects children physically but also has an adverse effect on their emotional and mental health. Imagine, children who deserve to be in optimum health, and mingle playfully around with their peers have to suffer through cancer treatment and are forced to spend most of their time undergoing medical help. It really takes great patience and courage for a parent whose child is trying to battle this deadly disease at such a young age.

This difficult phase in their lives impacts their mental well-being. Their families also have to face many adversities like leaving their homes in small towns and villages and come to unknown bigger cities for treatment.

These brave hearts try to do everything that they can to stand courageously alongside their children, giving them hope. St. Judes strives to support these parents in their endeavour to help their children recover and go on to lead happy lives. Our centres are witness to many such courageous parents who are constantly striving for the betterment of not just their own child but also spreading smiles to other children suffering from childhood cancer.

Here are two stories of our inspiring parents who are making a difference.

“A mother’s love is more beautiful than any fresh flower.” – Debashish Mridha.

Parveen Begum, mother to 2-year old Faisal Tarif, has been staying at #TheKavitaCancerCareCentre since September 2021. Little Faisal Tarif was diagnosed with Blood Cancer and has been undergoing the treatment for the same at JK Lon Hospital, Jaipur. Along with taking care of her toddler, Parveen can be touted as a supermom who takes care of all the children staying at the centre. Going out of her way, she ensures every child is well-fed and doing fine. She also makes sure that all other families are aware of and adhere to infection control protocols in place at the centre.

Recently, she was rewarded with a ‘Green Card’ by our staff, for being helpful and friendly with everyone at the centre. We genuinely appreciate her support and wish for a speedy recovery of her son to lead a healthy and happy life.

“A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely.” – Emile Gaboriau.

Another such individual is a father to 17-year old Pradeep who is undergoing treatment for Blood Cancer. Ranveer Bhagel stood courageously by his son Pradeep when he was going through high emotional stress due to the side-effects of his treatment procedures, enabling him to successfully overcome his fears. He has been taking care of his son all by himself. Sheltered with us at #TheKavitaCancerCareCentre from April 2022, as Pradeep is undergoing cancer treatment at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur, Ranveer Bhagel is truly setting an inspirational example for all other families.

Recently, St. Judes staff awarded both father and son with appreciation certificates for their untiring efforts in dealing with the fatal disease. We truly appreciate their determination and courage while wishing them a happy and healthy life.

These are just two inspiring examples of some #supermoms and #superdads. St. Judes humbly salute these warriors in their quest for a healthy and bright future for these innocent young ones!