Chennai, Sep 11: MGM Cancer Institute marked Rose Day, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, with a dual celebration: the completion of 100 bone marrow transplants since April 2024, and the launch of the Swasthi Patient Benefit Card, a initiative offering financial assistance for the education of underprivileged children who have survived cancer treatment and have undergone BMT.
The 100 bone marrow transplants completed at MGM Cancer Institute since April 2024 were performed on patients with various diseases, including thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anaemia, immunodeficiencies and other cancerous disorders such as leukaemia and myeloma. The transplants performed ranged from Autologous and Matched Family Donor to complex half-matched transplants.
MGM Cancer Institute, in association with Anamaya Children’s Trust, will provide financial assistance through the Swasthi Patient Benefit Card for the education of survivors when they reach Classes X and XII. Students will be selected based on multiple eligibility criteria, including those who come under government-sponsored schemes for treatment.
To honour the survivors, roses were distributed during the event. More than 60 families of cancer survivors, including over 25 children, participated in the event.
The evening featured a lively lineup of cultural performances, singing and dance, champion talks by cancer warriors, a magic show, and fun games and activities for children. The event fostered a strong sense of community and togetherness while emphasising hope, courage, the importance of early cancer detection, and providing much-needed emotional support to patients and their families.
H. Vinoth, Indian film director and screenwriter, Vishnupriya Ravi, Indian playback singer, Ms. Deepa Venkat, Managing Trustee, Swarna Bharat Trust; Ms. Aparna Shyam, Managing Trustee, Tiara Kids and Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Head of DRM, DKMS Foundation India, took part as chief guests in the event, along with Dr. Prashanth Rajagopalan, Managing Director, MGM Healthcare.
Speaking about the event, Saravanakumar Rajan, Chief Operating Officer, MGM Cancer Institute said,
“Surviving cancer is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope and possibilities. At MGM Cancer Institute, we believe that every patient who overcomes cancer deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams without financial barriers. Through the Swasthi Patient Benefit Card, we aim to extend our support beyond treatment and contribute to the educational journey of these young survivors. We are grateful to our partners, for joining us in this meaningful initiative. Together, we hope to empower these children to look ahead with confidence and build a brighter future.”
Dr. Deenadayalan, HOD and Clinical Lead, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT, said
“India sees about 75,000 children diagnosed with cancer annually. Even though these numbers seem high, advances in medical science, early detection methods, and improved treatment options such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and innovations in the field of bone marrow transplants and cellular therapy have improved cure rates to nearly 90%. With timely intervention and comprehensive care, patients can lead normal, healthy lives like their peers.”
Dr. M. Gopinathan, Consultant, Hemato-Oncology (BMT) said,
“World Rose Day is a reminder that fighting cancer is not just about treatment. It’s about hope, empathy, and community. This day provides an opportunity to show solidarity with patients, celebrate the resilience of survivors, and acknowledge the tireless efforts of caregivers. Emotional support, motivation, and awareness play a vital role in recovery, and initiatives like this ensure that no patient ever feels alone in their journey.”
With the advancements in translational science, transplant procedures have become much improvised to perform it safe across extremes of ages. Multiple beneficiary schemes like TNMCHIS, PMJAY, Arogya Sri etc., empanelled at MGM Cancer Institute enable access and support to this life saving procedure for patients from varied financial background.