Taking the initiative to help the poor cancer patients in Malappuram & Wayanad districts of Kerala during the pandemic, Caritas India partner Calicut Diocese Social Service Society (CDSSS) Jeevana under the Ashakiranam project has supported 28 cancer patients with sewing machines to earn their livelihood.

Districts of Wayanad and Malappuram in Kerala has a higher number of people living under the economically and socially backward situation. Many are working as agricultural labourers and in unorganized sectors like construction and other small income generation activities.

Over the past many years, CDSSS Jeevana under the Caritas India Ashakiranam campaign has been engaged in humanitarian activities such as conducting need assessment survey, awareness drives, promotion of organic farming, introducing income generation programmes, conducting early detection and medical camps, providing counselling and palliative care support,  distribution of nutritious food kits to the neediest, establishing organic shops etc.

Covid-19 has compounded the miseries of the Cancer patients in this pandemic. According to a new study, cancer patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19. They are facing immense hardships as their treatment and surgeries have been postponed and facing the dual struggle of health and economic challenges. As the cancer patients are not in a position to go for work, they are struggling to make both ends meet. Providing food for their families especially for their children is the biggest challenge for them. By realizing this fact JEEVANA planned to come up with a new initiative of livelihood support to Cancer patients.

For the past 4 years, Lincy Leslin, (52), was suffering from blood cancer. Her husband used to work as a daily wager to take care of family, children education and the medical expenses of Lincy. The Covid-19 lockdown has crippled their income and increased their vulnerability. Lincy used to support her family by stitching nighties, blouses and school uniforms for the  neighbouring families and shops with her old sewing machine

The new initiative was officially inaugurated by Fr. Alfred V.C, Director, CDSSS, Jeevan on 20th October 2020 by supporting 28 poor cancer patients with sewing machines as a means to sustain their livelihood and to meet the expenses of their medical treatment. The sewing machines will enable them to earn their livelihood and gradually provide some useful income to the family.  The supported cancer patients are now able to stitch useful garments and even cater to the growing demand for face masks that are made mandatory due to Covid-19 pandemic. The social wing of the diocese of Calicut, CDSSS-Jeevana is doing its best to guide and support the cancer patients through Ashakiranam programme.  CDSSS -Jeevana will continue to work closely with the district administration and help the needy.

After receiving the new machine Lincy is grateful to CDSSS, Jeevana and Ashakiranam for this timely support. “ It is a ray of hope in this struggling time for me and my family. With this support I can ensure my options of livelihood,” says Lincy Leslin

“When the world finally recovers from Covid-19 pandemic, the cancer patients will find some solace in utilizing the sewing machines to ensure their continued livelihood. Without external support, these poor families cannot make both ends meet,” shared Most. Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut Diocese.

“The support will gradually help to earn a little income to sustain themselves and their families. The tailoring machines provided will gradually them to sustain their livelihood” said by Fr. Alfred V.C, DSSS Director during his inaugural address.

The participants of the programme expressed their gratitude to CDSSS, Jeevana. “Your generous support would go a long way in assuring us of our safety, health and sustainable Livelihood,” said Nirmala Mani after receiving the support.