Cancer. The word is almost a synonym for death. But, for Neelam Kumar, it gave her a chance to “love life and laugh in the face of death, not once but twice!” A two-time cancer survivor, the versatile author and life champion is someone who will change your perception of dealing with cancer – a fact she vouches for in her book To Cancer With Love – My Journey of Joy .
Having survived breast cancer twice, overcoming odds and going on to write a book about it, Neelam is the perfect champion for the cause of celebrating life. With a range of books already penned on many topics, Neelam sets off on a mission to tackle cancer with humour in her latest book that doubles up as a survival kit comprising only humour and courage. The book sees Neelam capture her struggle through the disease and show how to kick adversity and come out smiling.
With the first launch in Mumbai and now in Bengaluru, Neelam says she’s been on a roll. “Writing is a lonely business, and struggling with the illness is lonelier. So when you see people supporting you, the cause and the struggle, you are on a high.”
She points out that this literary venture is precious. “It’s a joyous book on cancer. At a time when there is a cancer explosion in India and we are sweeping it under the carpet, I believe people must look within and face their fear. I feel privileged to be part of this mission where we can raise awareness on the issue, and what better way to do it than through humour.”
Neelam hopes to capture the imagination of youngsters so they can change their habits in the starting itself. “When I was writing this book, I had no answers. I was looking not for grim statistics, but someone who would inject joy. But, I could not find anyone. So I made a conscious decision to become that one person who can stand up in society and say ‘Look! I handled two cancers and I’m alive!’ Joy and spiritually helped pump up my immune system. So let’s help one another. My book is my mission now.”
Recounting years of illness, betrayal, financial hardships, relationship breakdowns, and the death of loved ones besides the obvious emotional and physical trauma that she battled, the book narrates a story that is entertaining and profound. “This is an honest attempt to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and help people triumph over anything in life.”
Neelam adds: “I’ve had a tough life. Being raised in Russia, I didn’t know any English when I came to India and yet I went on to author five books. I lost my husband at the age of 35 and raised two children on my own. I decided to remain positive and became independent. Cancer struck when I was just settling down to relax. So I decided ‘let me do something that will make a difference’. I read a lot of books -- all ending in the death of the person. I wanted to live! I wanted a happily ever after! So I psyched myself to joy, become strong and ensure my life becomes worthy of emulation.”
She elaborates that this book is not only about cancer. “It’s a platform for wider human emotions that people can convert into positive vibes. The power of spirituality and joy combined enables the desire to help others and stop looking at ourselves.”
The world has enough negativity, admits Neelam. “What we need are stories of joy and overcoming adversity. I would like people to take away courage, joy and constant faith from the book. There is no other way to fight this battle called life. There are enough resources inside us. And in a plastic culture where people only look externally, I want to invite people to look within. Happiness needs to be manufactured inside you. There is so much pursuit of material things that we forget our purpose. It’s only when you come so close to death that you realise the value of life. Once people read the book, I hope they will choose to leave behind a legacy of love and being a good human.”
“Maybe I can inspire someone. In our country, where cancer treatment is a death sentence and there is so much superstition and myths that we need to break, I hope this book will provide the support people need.” Neelam adds that ultimately, people are half cured already when there is hope. “We can give hope to others and show them to reach within. The medical curriculum should be changed from dispensing medicine to dispensing compassion in India. Valuing each person and offering compassion can be their one chance of hope.”
To Cancer With Love – My Journey of Joy is available online as well as in select bookstores.
