Mumbai: In an effort to create awareness on cancer care, the duo – Shomali Johri and Manju Mulchandani started an NGO – Life Wins Foundation which aims to create a cancer aware society, especially among the underprivileged section of the community. The foundation has so far conducted several free screening and awareness camps in association with Indian Cancer Society and has touched many lives. They have been constantly working towards this cause through various other initiatives such as organising mobilisation meetings in the community, giving audio-visual presentations, verbal presentations and also raising funds for cancer treatment of those who can’t afford it.
The specific focus of various initiatives is on sensitising and screening for oral, breast and cervical cancer and to minimise the taboos attached to cancer. The foundation also works towards facilitating access to the hospitals and initial medical treatment for individuals detected with cancer from below the poverty line (BPL) strata of the society through a holistic approach. Life Wins Foundation has conducted several awareness camps in the past in areas of Navi Mumbai, Malvani, Andheri East, Chandivali, Bandra East, Malad West amongst others. They had also undertaken a successful anti-tobacco campaign earlier which was aimed at creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco.
Shomali with an experience of 17 years in the development sector has flair to serve society and has been relentlessly working towards it through this initiative. She has also worked with various NGOs earlier and strongly believes that every contribution can truly make a huge difference for a better and healthier world. Manju’s passion to give back to the society and her constant efforts to help those in need, sowed the seeds for Life Wins Foundation. One of her personal experiences made her realize that the economically weaker section of the patients need financial, moral, emotional support and awareness about the disease. She decided to actively contribute and aid these warriors in their battle against cancer. Manju also motivates people to support the cause, collaborates with NGOs, arrange festive celebrations for kids suffering from cancer at Tata Memorial Hospital amongst others.
“Our sensitization programs are aimed at creating the much-needed awareness on the significance of early detection of cancer which can enable early treatment and favourable outcomes. We aim to intensify our efforts and conduct many more cancer screening camps, with special focus on the underprivileged women in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Our focus remains on improving well-being quotient amongst women and to create awareness about the benefits of regular health checks after attaining the age of 40. Once the situation normalizes post the pandemic, we aim to conduct around 100 camps in the next 2 years” said Shomali Johri, Co-Founder, Life Wins Foundation.
“Every bit of support goes a long way in supporting our cause. We intend to expand our initiative through collaborations with like-minded NGOs, agencies and other philanthropic institutions for enhanced outreach and sustained support towards the cause that our foundation champions and aim to eliminate the stigma encircled around this disease due to lack of awareness, said Manju Mulchandani, Co-Founder, Life Wins Foundation.
“A woman is the backbone of her family and so it is of utmost importance to keep herself healthy – both physically as well mentally. One famous slogan, “Healthy Women, Healthy World”, embodies the fact that as custodians of family health, women play a critical role in maintaining the health and overall well-being of her family. However, in our baseline survey, we found that women tend to ignore their health and are more proactive in addressing health issues amongst their family members. Through these camps, we mobilise door to door campaigns in creating awareness about how it is imperative for women to maintain good health for themselves and the precautions to be taken to prevent the disease, added Shomali.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Not only does it take a heavy toll on human lives, but it also severely impacts the families of the patients. They are invariably faced with mental agony and heavy cost of treatment. Most of the patients who are diagnosed with cancer are in the advanced stages of its growth, leaving very little hope of their survival. Prevention and early detection can save many precious lives.
