: With quirky stories about being an MP that has not yet brought him any unaccounted money, actor Innocent, MP, had the gathering of cancer survivors and their families doubling up with laughter here on Sunday.
At the meeting organised by Cochin Cancer Society to mark the World Cancer Day on February 4, Innocent, who is a cancer survivor himself, told how he got the better of the disease. Incidentally, his wife, too, is a cancer survivor and Mr. Innocent said they beat the disease with early detection and self confidence.
What helped him perhaps was his outlook in handling the disease and he got his perspective from the doctor couple V.P. Gangadharan, oncologist and K. Chitrathara, oncology surgeon, he said.
He said the government has a major role to play in the early detention of the disease, as it is up to them to make screening available for the poor.
He donated Rs. 50 lakh towards a mammogram unit to the Kodungallur taluk hospital from his MP funds. Dr. Gangadharan also announced the launch of a mobile mammogram unit by the Cochin Cancer Society besides forming an arts group that will raise funds for cancer care through performances.
The survivors shared stories of the odds they faced in their lives while battling the disease. The group was a mix of people who are dancers, musicians, singers and artists who have managed to pick up their art from where they left off to fight their battles with cancer. One was an elderly lady who had fought her battle twice and then picked up her pencil after 50 years to draw the portrait of her doctor.
Among those who attended the gathering were actors Mukesh and Suresh Krishna. Industrialist Kochouseph Chittilapilly, parents of actor Manju Warrier, keyboard artiste Kannan were among many who spoke on the occasion. The event was interspersed with the cultural programmes of cancer survivors.
Actor Innocent said the government has a major role to play in the early detention of the disease, as it is up to them to make screening available for the poor.
Dr. V.P.Gangadharan announced the launch of a mobile mammogram unit by the Cochin Cancer Society and also an arts group that will raise funds for cancer care through performances.
