5 Ways To Be A Source Of Strength For Cancer Patients | #WorldRoseDay

“My tumor can’t kill my courage.”

– Joyshree

“Cancer could not conquer Shilpa’s spirit.”

– Shilpa’s mother

“I told myself that cancer cannot take my baby away.”

– Poornima, 3-year-old Dhuthi’s mother

These instances are just the tip of the iceberg that is the resilient stories of triumph over cancer here at ImpactGuru. Over the past decade, we have had the privilege to witness some incredibly brave souls keep their heads high in the face of adversity.

While cancer is often seen as the dreaded ‘C’ word and rightfully so, these inspiring tales teach us that if one possesses an unbreakable spirit and a strong support system, even an all-consuming disease like cancer cannot hold the power to break one’s strength. 

Source: ImpactGuru

From Shilpa’s perseverance even after losing a leg to single mother Poornima’s battle for her 3-year-old baby with cancer, their stories are an inspiration to society. Hence, in an effort to celebrate the admirable resilience of cancer patients, World Rose Day is celebrated as a day for their welfare all around the world.  

History Of World Rose Day

On 14 February, 1994, the life of Melinda Rose Hathaway, a 12-year-old girl from Canada, changed forever when she received a shocking diagnosis. She had Askin’s tumor, a rare tumor that forms in the chest wall, and was gravely informed that she only had mere weeks to live.

But Melinda wasn’t one to give up hope. Through her sheer will and resilience, she managed to defy the odds and went on to live for another six months. She decided to spend those last months of her life bringing joy and hope to the cancer patients in the facility she was in. 

She wrote heartfelt poems and letters to these patients, bringing them pocketfuls of joy and sunshine during hard times. She went on to live her life to the fullest and didn’t let cancer steal her joy.

Hence, in an effort to commemorate her joyful spirit and resilience, World Rose Day is celebrated on Melinda Rose’s death anniversary on 22nd September as a day of support and solidarity for cancer patients worldwide. 

The Significance Of The Rose
“Just remember, during the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, that there's a seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes a rose." 

– Bette Midler, The Rose

This quote serves as a perfect metaphor for the significance of a rose. During hard times, one must remember the warm hope that emerges through the ground in the form of a rose.

Source: Envato Elements

Melinda Rose Hathaway left a legacy of that same hope and compassion behind. Today, thousands of people follow in her footsteps and honour that legacy worldwide. On the occasion of World Rose Day, people gift roses to cancer patients as a symbol of hope and support.

A rose symbolizes love, care and compassion. Presenting a rose to a brave cancer warrior sends a message of solidarity towards their struggles. Through this gesture, they find the courage and strength to go through this challenging phase. 

Living With Cancer

‘Cancer’ is one such word that can stun people into silence when mentioned in a room. It is everyone’s worst fear and unfortunately, some people’s harsh reality. Cancer takes a great mental and emotional toll on a patient and their loved ones. 

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, complex treatments like radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are performed. Chemotherapy, in particular, can be especially difficult to get through as it has a great number of side effects including loss of hair, weight, energy, and much more. 

Such strong and expensive treatments can completely rob a person of their strength. Patients often face self-esteem, anxiety, depression and body image issues as they face these treatments. Hence, a strong support system is needed so that they can fiercely battle cancer without any qualms.

Source: Envato Elements

Also Read: Raising Awareness and Hope This World Brain Tumor Day 2024

5 Ways One Can Support Cancer Patients

It is said that behind great inspirational stories, there exists resilience and a strong support system. While internal strength is necessary to face a disease like cancer, outward support makes the whole ordeal a little easier on the patient. Whether it be monetary, physical or emotional support, every little bit counts towards helping them fight this battle.

Therefore, here are 5 ways one can support cancer patients:

1. Offer Practical Help: 

If one knows someone battling cancer, helping them out either in their household or personal tasks can make a huge difference. Cancer treatments can take a lot out of a person, so simple tasks like bringing them a home-cooked meal, helping out their caregiver, or even picking some groceries up can be a great show of support to their journey.

2. Provide Emotional Support:  

Cancer patients also go through a lot of emotional challenges during treatments. Something as simple as a listening ear, a warm hug, or a shoulder to cry on can make a world of difference in their healing process. 

Source: Envato Elements

3. Create A Safe Space:

An open conversation where cancer patients can freely express themselves can be very beneficial. They should be able to openly talk about their struggles, challenges, and their experiences in a safe, judgement-free space.

4. Volunteer:

Cancer patients need joy and something to look forward to. Simply spending some quality time with patients in cancer NGOs can make their day brighter. Just like Melinda Rose, one can visit these patients and spread joy by writing letters, giving roses, and hearing their stories.

5. Start A Fundraiser:

As we all know, cancer treatments are complicated and can be pretty heavy on the pocket. This is where crowdfunding can emerge as a new hope for patients. Starting a fundraiser on crowdfunding platforms like ImpactGuru can help patients get the right treatment on time and support their battle against cancer.

Thousands of cancer warriors all over India have chosen ImpactGuru, India’s leading crowdfunding platform, as an effective way to afford expensive cancer treatments. 

Also Read: Breaking The Stigma - Let’s Talk About Breast Cancer in Men

Cancer Crowdfunding With ImpactGuru

ImpactGuru has been a strong pillar of support for many cancer patients since its inception. No matter the type or stage of cancer, patients all over India have successfully raised funds for a myriad of cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery.

Many stories of triumph emerge over even the deadliest of cancers on the platform, which makes one feel hopeful during tough times. In a miraculous feat, a cancer patient was successful in raising ₹2 crores within 24 hours! These inspiring tales help build faith in a brighter future for cancer patients when it comes to managing expensive treatment costs.

ImpactGuru stands in awe of the incredible cancer warriors who transformed their struggles into motivation for many other cancer patients. Now, it's our time to step up, offering them the strength, care, and support they need on this difficult journey.  

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Let's stand beside these courageous individuals this World Rose Day and show them they are not alone. One powerful way to offer support is by giving them a rose of solidarity, blooming with hope and strength. And when it comes to easing their financial challenges, remember, ImpactGuru is just a click away! 

To know more, visit: www.impactguru.com.