Cancer burden In India has doubled over the last 25 years, the highest increase among all the therapy areas, with breast cancer being the most common among Indian women, according to a recent report. As per the Indian Medical Council of Research (ICMR) data, India had 15 lakh cancer patients in 2016 and the number is increasing every day.
Apart from Government agencies, various non-government organizations (NGOs) are working in fight against Cancer creating awareness about deadly disease. Among the hundreds of philanthropic organizations which are creating awareness on cancer one among them is Samridha Bharat which is creating awareness on Cancer since 2014.
Samridha Bharat, a non-profit organization started by Amit Kumar since its inception has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the deadly disease. The organisation reaches out to cancer patients providing help and assistance which includes both morally as well as financially. Samridha Bharat with an aim to create awareness on cancer is going to organize cancer awareness ‘Run’ in Ranchi on February 4 next year. Samridha Bharat chairman Amit Kumar said, “The cancer ‘Run’ aim is to raise awareness and educate them about the detection and treatment of the disease which know no borders and represents one of humanity’s most pressing and financial concerns.”
Kumar further said that his organization is working in seven states, which include Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. Members from Samridha Bharat operating in these States are ready round the clock to help any cancer patient. The work of volunteers of Samridha Bharat ranges from fixing appointment from oncologist to hospitalization of patients in case of emergency. The Samridha Bharat also bears the financial expenses of patients if they are unable to bear the huge expenses.
Amit Kumar’s endeavour to fight against the deadly disease came up with reason. In 2011 his elder sister Richa Kumari was detected with the deadly disease.
However, when the disease was detected it was late as she was suffering from third stage cancer. The family members provided her best treatment, but could not save her life.
The family was yet to recover from the trauma of losing Richa when they got to know that Amit’s mother Neelam Kumari too was suffering from cancer.
However, Amit, during his sister’s treatment learnt a lot about the disease, its treatment and early detection. The moment Amit came to know about his mother’s disease he got admitted her at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre. Amit and his family members provided best treatment to her and with the help and support of family members she had won the battle against cancer.
Amit said, “The two back to back incidents in my family have taught me lot about the disease. If the disease is detected early and proper treatment is provided one can win the battle against cancer.”
Kumar further said, “We have expected the participation of nearly 20,000 people in the Run. The participants in the Run will be college/school going students, social activists and people from different sectors.”
There is also prize money in the Run with winner getting Rs 1 lakh, followed by runner up getting Rs 50,000 and others.