I was six years old when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Being from a middle class family it was not easy for my parents to take treatment form a private hospital. They were told to save money for my younger siblings, rather than spending for such expensive treatment because according to their perception, cancer is incurable. It was a tough call for my parents, and they decided “not to give up”. Even after completing treatment successfully, the stigma related to cancer stayed with me and my parents for a very long period of time. With each follow up, I was allowed to do most of things that other children of my age were doing. Doctors would counsel to live like a normal person but my parents used to be very worried about my health and future. Their biggest concern was “If I will ever get married?” They were aware about how practically unwelcoming majority of the society is for cancer survivors. I am very fortunate to have met a man who hasn’t changed a bit even after knowing that I am a survivor of childhood cancer. He didn’t look at me with the same sympathy that other people did neither he ever made me feel that I am different from others. We got married in the year 2020. The journey was not easy at all but I won and with me, my loved ones won too. Today I am Cancer free, happily married and living a beautiful life. I have recently completed my Masters in Computer Applications and have applied for PhD. I am also one of the team leaders of RGCI’s Childhood Cancer Survivors Support Group “Aashayein” formed by the department of pediatrics oncology. When I look back, I realize that Cancer in return of all our sacrifices, has given me and my family a new vision towards life. It has given me mental strength, optimism, patience and strong determination. I am grateful to each and everyone who stood by me in this journey. Just because of Cancer, today I am strong enough to face any challenge that life has for me with no fear of losing because I know, I already have won the biggest battle of my life and I have the power to conquer anything that challenges me.
RGCIRC, Niti Bagh
