Mumbai

Women’s Day 

On International Women's Day, Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer collaborated with Women’s Cancer Initiative NGO and Gunwanti NGO to pay ode to the strong women in our lives. The event was conducted at Tata Memorial hospital where participants performed a Manipuri folk dance and a Marathi folk dance. These entertaining dance segments were carried out by patients of Sanjeevani’s Wellness Centre. The patients from our wellness center also did a ramp walk to the bollywood song ‘Kala Chashma’. After Mrs. Ahluwalia addressed the crowd with a special Women’s Day message, all the dancers and choreographers were felicitated by the doctors. 

CAN – A – THON 

On 17th February 2019, more than 500 people sacrificed their Sunday snooze buttons and joined the Can-a-Thon at Marine Drive to partake in an awareness walk about the need for Prevention and Early Detection of Cancer. The event saw support with the presence of college students with their friends, supporters from Gunwanti Foundation, The Robin Hood Army, Staff from Nair hospital, members of Heartfulness Meditation, Indian Railways, BPCL, NCC, NSS, Cancer victors and police personnel. The theme of the walk was “WE CAN and WE WILL.” The walk was punctuated with two stops where the youth brigade did high energy interactive sessions, which incorporated applauding and chanting slogans in English and Hindi. The participants ranged from young children to 80 year young senior citizens. The energy and encouragement that each participant showed has encouraged us to make this an annual event. Next year we’re hoping to see the numbers quadruple. 

Sanjeevani Utsav 

Sanjeevani Ustav is a celebration for patients and beneficiaries that was held on Friday, 15th February 2019. Dr. Lidwin Dias (Principal of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan), Dr. Manasi Bawdekar (Head of Research Department, Nirmala Niketan), Dr. Jangir (GM CSR, Mazgaon Dock), Rohit Pandya (CSR Manager), Dr. Bharat Dhareswar (Heartfulness Meditation), Bansilal Prajapat (Yoga teacher and Reflexology teacher, Sanjeevani – Bikaner Branch), Bhavisha Sanadhya (Faculty – Dance and Art Movement), Joanita Figueiredo (Faculty – Nutrition and Reflexology) and Preeyal Bhagchandani (Faculty - Psychotherapy) were among the distinguished guests.  

Archana Vishaye (Hospital Co-coordinator) welcomed the audience and invited the distinguished guests to address the crowd briefly. Each speaker found creative and interesting ways to engage the crowd. Mr. Ahluwalia spoke about the Sanjeevani flag being carried forward by the younger generation and Ms. Ahluwalia made us aware that while everyone was speaking about the possibilities and the ability to take action, Sanjeevani was already a step ahead from “We can” and “We will do it” to a stage of having ‘DONE IT,’’ in reference to making positivity and a fighting spirit its credo. This was followed by an afternoon of dance laughter and celebration around. We would like to thank all the distinguished guests for being part of Sanjeevani and for sharing their valuable time with us.

Release of Report on Psycho – Social Support to Cancer Patients

On 18th April 2019, Sanjeevani…Life Beyond Cancer stepped into its seventh year of crusade against cancer. The event was celebrated at the Nehru auditorium and was attended by a mammoth crowd of 800+ people. The evening started with an eminent panel coming together to discuss the much needed and yet neglected field of psycho –social support aspect for patients and their families. The panel was moderated by our founder, Mrs. Ahluwalia. 

The event saw shared experiences from our faculty like Ms. Desiree Punwani who shed light on the importance of psychosocial support. It also saw renowned personalities like Ms. Viji Venkatesh  (Regional Head of Max Foundation, South Asia), Dr. Vani Parmar (Onco Surgeon) who felt that it is necessary to maintain positivity despite the challenges and that the right support can be sought from  NGOs in the field who much like Sanjeevani were doing great service in this area. Mr. Anand Parihaar also added that whatever brings the cancer patient confidence and improvement in their self image should definitely be encouraged. Mr. Vipin Anand (MD of Life Insurance Corporation) elaborated on the proper investment and LIC policies available to cancer patients, to ensure all round support. 

The underlying message from all the esteemed panelists that resounded through their speeches was the urgent need for comprehensive psycho-social support.

Competency Conclave 

From 18th April to 22nd April 2019, The Sanjeevani-Life Beyond Cancer family celebrated a glorious seven years of journey in the realm of cancer care. Members of the SLBC family from across the country gathered at Mumbai and participated in a five day long celebration that included seminars on multiple aspects of cancer care like psycho-social support, correctional nutritional practices etc. These seminars and sessions were balanced with award ceremonies like Can Fun to felicitate the Sanjeevani angels and onco nurses of various hospitals for their service and dedication to the cause. The event culminated at the end of 5 days with a day of fun at Imagica. 

CAN FUN with Nurses 

As part of it’s CAN FUN initiative, Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer felicitated the nurses of various cancer hospitals who work tirelessly round the clock to help alleviate the pain and suffering of cancer cancer patients.This event was attended by over 150 people with attendees like nurses from Tata Hospital, ACTREC, Cama, N.K Dhabhar Cancer Foundation, members of the community and the whole of Sanjeevani’s team. After a brief introduction to Sanjeevani done by Ms. Ahluwalia, the event felicitation ceremony was followed by endless dancing and gorging on delicious food. The nurses left the event with memories and mementos to keep the day etched in their hearts.

Music And Laughter

In support of the fighters and admiration of the survivors, Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer, Mumbai celebrated an evening of music and laughter at the Tata Memorial Hospital on 4th november,2019.

The event was initiated by Sanjeevani’s cancer victors and was followed with the participation of the Can Saarthi students. The evening was resplendent with laughter and enthusiasm by a spectacular stand up comedian Mr. Nitin Bhandarkar featured in the comedy reality show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Johnny Ala Re with the legendary comedian Johnny Lever. 

Session on #IamEnough on invitation from Mumbai Rail Vikas Nigam

Our founder, Mrs. Ruby Ahluwalia conducted a session that was held at the Corporate office of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation. She remembers asking them  “How do you perceive your life?” and followed her question with an activity where they had to depict their current life state in the form of similes.  She then explained how the journey from good to very good is a mental journey. Mrs. Ahluwalia also relayed her own experience with cancer and her motivation behind starting Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer. Drawing from life stories and her observations, she spoke about how forgiveness leads to lesser burdens and happier life with renewed energy. She spoke of the importance of self help, balanced nutrition, focused breathing and positive thoughts help in creating a stronger immunity and a healthy lifestyle. 

At the end, there was audience interaction with the speaker through a Q&A session. 

Sanjeevani... Life Beyond Cancer is grateful to Anita Sarmah for taking up this wonderful initiative and guidance for making this programme a successful one.
 

Christmas and New Year With Satori.

With the festive season at its peak, Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer celebrated Christmas and New Year with its Satori and Can Saarthi students at the Sanjeevani Wellness Centre. An evening filled with fun, food and festivities brought out the Christmas spirit in all, with games, music and dance. 

Blanket Distribution for New Year

Sanjeevani's Mumbai team brought Christmas cheer to the brave children battling cancer at Tata Memorial hospital by adding a touch of the Christmas spirit to their lives. Santa Claus paid a visit to the hospital where he saw that these children had been on their best behaviour this year and so he distributed chocolates,socks and Santa hats and connected personally with each child and their family.

Breast Cancer Awareness Program

Sanjeevani... Life Beyond Cancer, Mumbai celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness month at Swatantryaveer Savarkar Auditorium to celebrate victory over Breast Cancer. The event was hosted by DJ Mrunmayee and saw the presence of reputed dignitaries. The event was initiated by the lighting of lamps, followed by speeches of the Breast Cancer survivors. The crowd was swept away by the music of renowned Indian singer Sanjeevani Bhelande.

Ganpati Making

Mr Chaitanya Govande, a Senior Executive with a  Maharatna  Corporate  BPC Limited energized the lives of 17 cancer patients and caregivers by means of conducting a workshop on Ganapati Clay Modeling at our Wellness Centre at Lalbaug. The workshop was attended by 17 patients / care-givers with each one creating their unique Bappa. We,at Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer extend our heartfelt gratitude towards Mr. Govande for his time and skill sharing experience with the patients. 

CAN FUN

On 6th October 2018, Sanjeevani.. Life Beyond Cancer had a bonding event for the social workers and volunteers in the field of cancer. On it’s first attempt, this event culminated in a huge success with over 20 NGOs in the field of cancer laughed, danced and had a jubilant time. The highlight of the evening was homage to Lord Ganesh and a phoolon ki holi. We at Sanjeevani are grateful to those who showed their support in the form of their presence, positive energy and donation. We hope to come back with this event at a much bigger scale. 

If you’d like to be a part of this movement and our journey, you can take action today. You can Volunteer with us here or Donate towards the change.