Bengaluru,26MAY 2023: To commemorate National Cancer Survivors Day, Milaap, India’s largest crowdfunding platform held a day-long event to support the cancer survivors from the city in collaboration with Indian Cancer Society Bangalore and Bangalore Hair Donation. The programme began with a hair donation drive in a city-based salon. It was followed by a meet-up event for cancer survivors, their families and the donors to create awareness on the condition, and celebrate their courage and resilience in their recuperation journey. It concluded with a session of laughter yoga and a musical performance by a young artist.
During the hair donation drive more than 15 people including young girls, women, and men donated their hair at HS Spalon. A few of the donors include Lipi Cinderella, a 10-year-old who turned bald and Maria Veronica donated hair for the cancer cause.
National Cancer Survivors day is observed every year to acknowledge people with a history of cancer. The day aims to raise awareness of the challenges the cancer survivors and their families undergo, and yet live life to the best of their abilities. At the event this afternoon, people in attendance shared personal stories of diagnosis, long-lasting effects of the disease, and emotional turmoil, and focused on how a community comes together to support them in their recuperation journey. It ended with people participating in laughter yoga, a concept that helps people heal through laughter, especially when they are suffering from stressful conditions like cancer.
Anoj Viswanathan, President and Co-Founder, Milaap said, “At Milaap, we are humbled and honoured to have been trusted to help cancer survivors across the country – right from their diagnosis to their treatment, and subsequent long-term care. This year’s theme of the National Cancer Survivors Day is ‘Close the Care Gap’ and we urge everyone to support cancer warriors and their families in any form they can.”
Speaking of the hair donation drive, he added, “It is heart-warming to see people show up for each other and go out of their comfort zone to bring solace to someone in pain. We would like to thank all the volunteers who donated their hair and made this day even more special.”
Dr. Javeria Fathima who attended the event from the Indian Cancer Society, said, “National Cancer Survivors Day is a reminder that cancer does not define us; it is our unwavering spirit and determination that shines through. It is a celebration of the milestones achieved, the battles fought, and the victories won. “
The program ended with the musical program of Akshita Mengi, a music artist from Bangalore.
