CHENNAI: Cancer touched my body, not my soul’, ‘I am beautiful with scars’ and ‘My struggle made me a warrior’ are few of the many placards seen as couples of various age groups walked the ramp recently. The fourth edition of this cultural event, Rhapsody was organised by Thenmozhi Memorial Trust to raise funds for underprivileged cancer victims.
“My relatives visit me rarely but these volunteers meet us twice a month and soothe our despairing hearts,” said Marry Peter, a brain cancer survivor, who was screened in the Rhapsody anthem at the event.
India has over 1.5 million people diagnosed with cancer, most prevailing being breast, lung and cervical cancer. Dr Sanjay Prabhu, a specialist in pain management in cancer and also the chief guest, said, “Half of these patients die because 40-50% is diagnosed in the later stage where the pain worsens as time goes by.”
The event also awarded Sakthivel Paneerselvam, owner of the 6.in Surprise Planers, as the Cheer Leader of Change as he surprised cancer survivors on different occasions.
Meenakshi Sundaram was rendered Inspiring Idol as he survived cancer for six years struggling with semi-paralysis, and coma for three times. TKS Senthil Kumar was felicitated as the beacon of hope award as he runs Anbaalayam for mentally challenged people and post-operative orthocare in Tiruchy and Thanjavur.
As the music and dance performances took the stage by splashing fusion numbers of ARR hits, Archana Raghuram, senior director, CTS, and one of the chief guests, shared her experiences as a volunteer. “Money can buy happiness if it’s spent on others,” she said.
RJ Balaji, singer Soundarya and Vignesh Karthick were also present to share their experience with cancer survivors and entertain the audience.