Cancer survivors' journey to hope

The paintings of Nutan Pandit, that will soon grace the walls of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, may generate hope among cancer sufferers. She is, after all a survivor of acute blood cancer.

Pandit, a resident of Faridabad, was detected with cancer in 2001 when her haemoglobin count dropped to 3, whereas normal count for women is 12. An artist, who exhibited her works in the National Gallery of Modern Art and IFACS Hall, Pandit braved chemotherapy treatment eight times in three years.

She lost her husband within first few years of marriage, but her family stood by her, giving her all the confidence needed.

The doctors told her she would live for at least eight years. She is happy at just being alive even today. 

“My experience of cancer treatment has changed the theme of my paintings. Earlier, I used to paint nature and flowers. Now my brush moves to give hope to cancer patients,” she said talking about her upcoming exhibition titled ‘Hope to Live, Live to Hope’.

Single-minded

She and many more cancer survivors narrated stories about their single-minded journey from despair to hope after their cancer was diagnosed. They were speaking at the ‘Celebrating Life’, an event organised at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals to bring together cancer patients to share their experiences.

Addressing the audience at the occasion which had more than 50 cancer patients, Dr Harsh Dua, Senior Consultant, Oncology at the hospital said: “Due to the latest advances in cancer research, cancer is looked upon without dread just like any other disease. We want society to realise this fact and adopt this positive approach towards life in interactions with cancer patients, thereby improving the mental, physical and qualitative aspects of patients’ lives.”

During the two-hour long event, a Hasya Kavi Sammelan was also organised where noted humourist Surinder Sharma and others participated.

Highlighting the magic that science has performed in the field of cancer treatment, a magic show was also part of the event.