On 18/02/2021, Dharmapuri Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) commemorated World Cancer Day (04^th February), World Sick Day (11^th February) and launched Caritas India facilitated Lenten Campaign, 2021.

In his presidential address Most.Rev.Dr. Lawrence Pius, Bishop of Dharmapuri reminded the gathering about the message shared by Pope Francis that society is all the more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. He said that as a community, we are called to be merciful and to love in particular our frail, infirm and suffering brothers and sisters, leaving no one behind, especially those most in need.

The path of healing is grounded in a trusting and interpersonal relationship between the sick and those who care for them. Bishop made a special mention of  Sr (Dr)Annie Joyce’s committed selfless service through St. Mary’s Hospital, Salem.  Sr. Annie was handling a two-hour awareness session on Cancer Care to 130 women leaders from Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts.

Msgr. Arulraj, Vicar General and Fr. Soosairaj, Procurator of Dharmapuri Diocese gave a felicitation speech. They shared their personal encounters with cancer affected and how the families have become disoriented because of the sufferings of cancer affected. They said that we need to be empathetic to the ordeals they face in their day to day life. Hence, as socially responsible institutions, we need convergence to begin at the diocesan level. They lauded the combined efforts of DSSS, Health and SC/ST commissions and CRI in this mission.

Dr.John Arokiaraj, Manager, Caritas India said that Caritas India steered Ezhuvom Iyakkam Cancer Care Campaign is an opportunity to devote special attention to cancer affected and other chronically ill patients. The coordinated efforts of DSSSs with health and educational institutions and the government linkages are yielding more than expected dividends to the underprivileged communities.  He placed on record the great concern shown by the Bishop and his team during COVID 19 response wherein 12714 migrants and 39479  poor and marginalised families impacted by coronavirus pandemic were supported with dry ration. This is an exemplary way of showing our spiritual closeness and solidarity as taught by the Church. He invited the participants to be volunteers and ambassadors in the change process visualising a cancer-free neighbourhood community.

Sr (Dr) Annie Joyce said that the observance of World Cancer Day is a ‘global uniting initiative’ bringing people all around the world to fight unitedly against the disease by prevention, detection, early diagnosis, treatment and extending moral support. This calls for change in the value system and lifestyle and being compassionate to our fellow human beings.

The brainstorming and question and answer sessions witnessed full participation.  Sr. Annie said that cancer is not a death sentence but a life sentence; it pushes one to live. Since the majority of women in India succumb to breast cancer due to ignorance and fear of expressing themselves, the resource person highlighted the early warning visual signs and symptoms of breast cancer and also gave tips in doing self- examination. She concluded her session with a quote from St.Gregory “The best way to serve is to manifest it by actions”. The participants representing the age group 20- 70 years were unanimous in saying that it was an opportunity to learn by informal interaction.

Fr. Jesudoss, Director of DSSS said that Cancer is not the end of life; if diagnosed and treated well in time, people’s life can be saved. DSSS is focused on reaching out to the marginalised. We want them to lead a healthy life and we can’t afford to lose a single life due to ignorance. No human being, without any social or economic divide, should undergo suffering because of any cancer disease. That is the reason why we have initiated a good food campaign through the nutrition garden programme. So far, we have reached out to 3225 families providing them with growbags, seeds and manure. We are developing a cancer registry in our diocese and our volunteers are supporting us. Our response is grounded on the value of compassion and addresses the key strategic pillars of Caritas India viz., Empowerment Animation, Dialogue, Volunteering and Sharing Communities.

‘Since 2015, I am suffering from bone cancer and went for a medical check-up at Narayana Irudhayala Hospital in Bangalore. I could not continue the medical treatment because of the cost involved. Today after listening to Sr. Annie, I get renewed hope for referral treatment and counselling support with the help of St, Mary’s Hospital, Salem’ said Ms. Pakikiyam, from Sundampatti village, Krishnagiri district. ‘I will give awareness to my known people’ she assured.

‘This year through Lenten Campaign collection, we have planned to support the treatment cost of cancer patients’ said Fr. Jesudoss. During the formal launch of the Lenten Campaign poster in the diocese, Bishop Lawrence Pius distributed nutrition kits to 10 cancer patients. The day began with an awareness rally. Participants holding placards raised slogans on cancer prevention and proactive initiatives required to create a cancer-free society. The programme came to end with way forward decisions and a formal vote of thanks by Fr. Maria Joseph, Director of Pastoral Centre.