Raipur, 28th December. Balco Medical Centre, a premier cancer hospital in Naya Raipur, along with Raipur Ladies Circle 90 organised “Smile 2020”- a Christmas party for kids with cancer on 24th December 2020. The event was held at Club Parasio, Maruti Lifestyle, Raipur. The two not-for-profit organisations came together to make this evening memorable for the children with lots of programs like dance performance, magic show, story-telling and gift distribution.

Singers Antara and Ankita Nandy from AR Rahman’s “Mission Paani Anthem” fame gave a special online musical performance for kids. More than 25 children who are battling cancer attended this event along with their parents.

This event was the first in the league of parent & children support programs held by Indradhanush group of BMC. Around four months ago, BMC formed a support group, “Indradhanush” for Parents of children suffering from cancer. The objective of the creation of this group was to address any health issues, physical or mental, arising among children due to cancer.

Dr. Dibyendu De, Consultant Hematologist & Hemato-oncologist at Balco Medical Centre, said, “Leukemias, which are cancers of the bone marrow, are the most common childhood cancers. They account for about 28% of all cancers in children. The most common types in children are acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

 

Recent advancement in the treatment of blood cancer leads to complete recovery in up to 60 – 90 % children but requires early and aggressive treatment by chemotherapy. Through “Muskaan 2020”, we would like to celebrate their undying, warrior spirit and motivate them by bringing a smile on their faces.”

Dr. Neelesh Jain, Consultant Transfusion Medicine and In-charge Blood Bank, said “Balco Medical Centre believes in holistic treatment of cancer, i.e. healing of mind and body, both. We everyday witness these children bearing the brunt of multiple blood transfusions and chemotherapy while battling cancer.

 

These children have very strong will power to live and succeed in life. They certainly deserve a brighter future and I’m sure events such as these will motivate them to fight on. I’m thankful to Raipur Ladies Circle 90, who have extended their support to bring smiles and hope in their lives.”

Cr. Ankita Agrawal, Chairperson, Raipur ladies circle 90, said, “We all wait for our Santa when we are Santas in our own way. Let’s take a pledge and be someone's Santa this Christmas.” For the past 22 years, Ladies Circle India’s endeavour is to bring true freedom through education. Till June 2020, they have built 7141 classrooms educating more than 78 lakhs underprivileged children. They have 4500+ members across India bound by a common objective for upliftment of society and helping the needy. Ladies Circle Raipur has also associated with Balco Medical Centre to extend their support for the treatment of underprivileged children suffering from blood cancer.