At the launch of CanWin, a new national cancer support platform, stories of hope and resilience took centre stage. Rolled out across 25 Apollo Cancer Centres, the initiative aims to connect cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—fostering a compassionate community and promoting reliable, stigma-free information.
Turning Fear into Hope
“A quick Google search for cancer floods you with fear. This needs to change,” said Naveena Kasi, mother of 10-year-old Lithin, a medulloblastoma survivor.
“My son survived. It’s not always a death sentence,” she added, calling for a shift in public perception about cancer.
Stories of Survival and Strength
As reported by TOI, the launch event featured a session titled ‘Stories from the Stage’, where survivors shared deeply personal accounts of their cancer journeys, underscoring the power of emotional and clinical support.
Dr Priyanka Bagdi, a leukemia survivor, recounted celebrating her 29th birthday in the hospital.
“I was in remission. That day with the doctors and nurses reminded me I was still living. It marked a turning point.”
Shrikar, diagnosed with a rare optic nerve cancer, found healing through music.
“I brought my speaker for chemo sessions. Listening to my favourite bands gave me something to look forward to. I even wrote a song.”
Building Support Systems for Better Outcomes
Dr Revathy Raj, Senior Consultant in Paediatric Haematology Oncology at Apollo, highlighted the importance of structured support systems. She referenced the early efforts of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the 1960s, which laid the foundation for modern psychosocial support in cancer care.
“Support groups have transformed how we care for patients. Emotional wellbeing is just as critical as treatment protocols,” she noted.
A Step Towards Compassionate Cancer Care
With CanWin, Apollo aims to normalise conversations around cancer, create safe spaces for healing, and ensure that no one faces the disease alone. The platform represents a shift from isolation to inclusion—anchored in shared experience, empathy, and credible guidance.