“People should look into the pathetic situation of the cancer affected families to alleviate their misery”, expressed Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, Bishop of Thamarassery during the Ashakiranam, Cancer Care Campaign launch at Thamarassery on May 26, 2017. Testimonies from cancer survivors who overcame the deadly disease through systematic treatment and improved lifestyle spread cheer and motivation among the audience.

Cancer does not affect only individuals but the whole family in terms of socio-economic and psychological impacts. Releasing the action plan of Ashakirnam Campaign, Mr. George M. Thomas, MLA of Thiruvambadi shared about the deplorable situation of the cancer affected families and the role of society in supporting the cancer patients and their families.

Launched in 2014, the cancer awareness and education has has spread across the state under the Cancer Care Campaign, with practical information on preventive methodologies, early detection, treatment supports and concept of good food to create behavioural change to combat the root causes of the disease. Mr. Karat Razak, MLA of the constituency shared about the role of changing life styles which is contributing towards the dispersal of cancer in the society.

Mr. U. V. Jose, the District Collector of Kozhikode asked every individual to join this fight against cancer. Mentioning it to be a cause of chaos in the society, he invited people to join the campaign and address the problem collectively. During the launch, he inaugurated the help desk number for the cancer patients and their families to avail support in need. Orientation of newly inducted 400 volunteers preceded the inauguration of the campaign.

Explaining the concept of Ashakiranam, Fr. Paul Moonely, Deputy Director of Caritas India shared about the importance of Caritas India’s Cancer Care Campaign, the urgency for it, and the concurrent developments in Kerala state. The campaign has been emboldened by the support that hailed from thousands of individuals as volunteers, he acknowledged.

Among others dignitaries at the inauguration were Rev Fr Mathew Mavely, Vicar General of the Diocese of Thamarasery, Smt. P P Vanaja- Panchayat President from Koduvally Block, Shri. Mamu Master, Vice President of the Thamarassery Panchayat, and Shri. Jacob Padalodi, President of Alphonsa Palliative Care.