Chennai: Hundreds of cancer survivors gathered at Adyar Cancer Institute (WIA) on Saturday to celebrate its Annual Survivors’ Reunion Day. The Cancer Institute, which was once a small hospital with no more than 12 beds, is now a testament to numerous stories of survival.The event, organised after a long break due to Covid, brought together survivors of different ages, doctors, nurses and hospital staff. As Diya Fathima went on stage, nurses in the crowd recognised her instantly as the 10-year-old child who was once admitted here. “I was admitted here in 2010. Now I’m in my final year of college,” she said, adding that the hospital gave her a new lease of life.Dr Kalpana Balakrishnan, CEO and medical director of the Cancer Institute, said this event celebrates survivors who recovered and reintegrated into society. She recalled that Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy first envisioned such an institution in 1927 and, after decades of effort, established the Cancer Institute in 1954.Sara Cherian, a cancer survivor, said: “This event reminds you that you’re not alone. ,” she said. She is also the founder of Cherian Foundation, which provides free wigs to the hospital. Deepa Ramani, a-35-year old childhood brain tumour survivor, recalled the emotional struggle of losing her hair during radiation therapy. “We don’t want sympathy but empathy,” she said.
