This meeting was held in order to brief our volunteers and resource partners on our work, and to share our thoughts and experiences on our ongoing programs. Those invited were intended to be a core group of the foundation, who would spread the word of our activities and bring more volunteers and sponsors to sustain our programs.

First of all, our founder, Sandhya Sharad, gave an introduction to the foundation and its work. She highlighted the necessity for a childhood cancer foundation in this city and country, and for providing non-medical support in various areas for the parents and caregivers in addition to the children.

Sandhya explained the vision of the foundation. In her words, “involvement in creative activity is the key to increasing the happiness quotient of the children.”

Vijay Bhat, one of our advisors and the Founder-Director of Roots & Wings Consulting Services, shared his life experience and insights into cancer.

Nilima Bhat, the dean of Sampurnah Centre for Holistic Health and Personal Growth, spoke about a holistic approach to treating cancer, with emphasis on the need for creative activity in our work. She also spoke about the various kinds of stressors that can lead to cancer, according to the latest scientific research.

Tania Khosla, who is also an advisor to the trust, spoke on her life experience and gave us valuable suggestions on possible programs for children with cancer at the inpatient wards.

Our ongoing onsite experiences at Kidwai Memorial Hospital were then narrated by Dr. Manjari Bhatnagar, our project coordinator and director.

These were followed by open discussion on the programs and our requirements.

Conclusions:

Creativity is the key to therapy and increasing the happiness quotient of the affected children.

Our use of creativity for education, recreation and spirituality in our therapeutic alliance is the correct path to take.

When you reach out to help others heal, it becomes part of your own healing.