“Acriter et Fideliter in Latin means fiercely and faithfully, which are two qualities that volunteer carers must have,” said Most Rev. Mar. Joseph Kallanrangatt, Bishop of Palai Diocese, on February 17, 2023, during the launch of the Ashakiranam Cancer Care program’s Care Givers gathering and training programme at the Arima Market auditorium in Palai, Kerala.

Bishop said that cancer is not a disease that can be easily prevented by any of us, but we can approach this disease differently. ‘Humor the Tumor”—we should be able to take the disease as humour without crying or living in great sadness. “When we treat cancer like that, there will be many changes in us,” added Bishop.

The role of Care Givers in cancer holds significant importance. They are inspired by the highest form of satisfaction embedded in serving cancer patients with love and care. By constantly connecting with cancer patients, they instil a zest for life and impart great motivation to survive the disease and become cancer survivors. Caregivers provide various types of support depending on the needs of the person with cancer, such as emotional support, medical care, financial and insurance issues, and, most importantly, psychosocial trauma. They act as a liaison between the patient and the healthcare team.

Realizing this, the Ashakiranam cancer care campaign is promoting the formation of community-level caregiver teams with the support of the existing diocesan partners. Currently, thousands of cancer caregivers are giving their ineffable services to bring about positive changes in cancer patients. PSWS, Pali’s cancer caregiver gathering and training programme as part of the Ashakiranam cancer care campaign, was a fruitful effort in this direction.

“The Ashakiranam campaign, which was initiated eight years ago to prevent cancer in Kerala, has brought greater changes with the active involvement of volunteers and Care Givers.”Caritas will always recognise these good people’s commendable services,” said Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India, in his keynote address to the gathering. Sharing the parable of the good Samaritan in the Holy Bible, Fr. Paul explained what the attitude of Care Givers should be. Explaining the ‘Nishkama Karma’ quote from the Bhagavad Gita, he convinced the Caregivers and volunteers that one can give selfless services without reluctance. He said a Care Giver or volunteer should be able to touch those who are suffering, make changes in their lives, and add colour to their lives. He also mentioned that Caritas India spends billions of rupees every year on voluntary service activities across the nation.

Municipal Councillor V.C. Prince, Fr. George Vakdethottiil, Associate Director, PSWS, Mr. Dantes Koonanikal, & Ms. Merly James, project officers, PSWS, Palai, were felicitated during the program. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt inaugurated the distribution of millet aid as a treatment support and vegetable seedlings for the promotion of organic family farming during the event. Bishop Joseph Kallanrangatt also released the poster for the “Millet Expo.”.

Dr. Vishnu Mohan, BNYS, Physician – Naturopathy, Mar Sleeva Medicality, Palai, attended a special seminar on lifestyle education and the roles of carers and volunteers in cancer care. Dr. Vishnu Mohan discussed the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and the roles of carers and volunteers for cancer patients. He emphasised the duties of a cancer caregiver, including helping the patient with day-to-day activities, staying with them during their struggling times, helping them in decision-making, providing social, emotional, and spiritual support, etc. He said, if your services enhance hope in any cancer patient, you have found meaning in your life. He also wished all the caregivers would find more meaning in their lives by serving cancer patients.

With the hope of constructing cancer-resistant villages through the more effective intervention of volunteers and caregivers, PSWS, Palai is pushing the Ashakiranam Campaign even harder.