Media Release

Udupi, Sep 3: In a heart-warming reaffirmation of life beyond cancer, the department of paediatric oncology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, organized a special program titled 'Wings of Hope' to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The programme was held at the auditorium of the Manipal Hospice and Respite Center (MHRC), Havanje, Manipal, on Tuesday.

Conceived around the message of spreading hope, strength, and smiles, the programme brought together nearly 65 childhood cancer survivors and their parents for a morning filled with warmth, courage, and celebration. The golden ribbon, the universal symbol of childhood cancer awareness, set the tone for the occasion, honouring the little champions who have fought the disease and emerged victorious.

Eminent theatre and film actress and National Film Award winner Roopashree Vorkady, who was the chief guest, was felicitated during the event. Interacting warmly with the survivor children and their families, she lauded the exemplary work of Kasturba Hospital in caring for children battling cancer.

“The doctors and staff of Kasturba Hospital are doing truly commendable work in treating and caring for these young cancer patients. I earnestly request all parents and children to place their trust in the doctors and work hand in hand with them. I would also urge our survivor families to reach out to the children who are still undergoing treatment, spend time with them, and share their own experiences, for there is no greater source of strength for a child fighting cancer than to meet another who has walked the same path and emerged a winner,” said Vorkady.

Speaking on behalf of all the survivors, Aishwarya, a survivor, and Shwetha, the mother of a survivor, said, “We do not have enough words to thank the entire team of the department of paediatric oncology and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. The doctors, nurses, and caregivers stood by us like family through the most difficult days of our lives, and it is because of their tireless care and compassion that our children can smile today.”

The programme was presided over by Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, chief operating officer, teaching hospitals, MAHE, Manipal. “Every child who walks through our doors and emerges a survivor is a story of extraordinary courage, the courage of the child, the devotion of the family, and the tireless commitment of our clinical teams. ‘Wings of Hope’ is our way of celebrating these little heroes and reminding every family that they are not alone on this journey. MAHE and our Teaching Hospitals remain deeply committed to compassionate, world-class care for children with cancer,” said Dr Kantipudi.

The morning featured engaging breakout sessions designed for different age groups. Children under 12 enjoyed a storytelling session, followed by an origami activity in which they folded peace cranes, the timeless symbol of hope, healing, and peace. The older survivors, aged 12 and above, took part in a creative writing and brainstorming session on the theme “Life Beyond Cancer”, giving voice to their dreams, aspirations, and journeys of courage. A special screening of the film Nale Raja Koli Majaa added to the cheer.

One of the most moving highlights of the day was the unveiling of a Memory Wall, which showcased the smiling faces and stories of the survivor children alongside their parents, a living testament to their resilience and the triumph of hope over adversity.

The celebration was attended by Dr Seema Rajesh Rao, director and consultant in Palliative Medicine, Manipal Hospice and Respite Center (MHRC), Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, professor and head, department of paediatric oncology, and Dr Emine A Rahiman, associate professor and in-charge of the After Completion of Therapy (ACT) Clinic, department of paediatric oncology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, along with faculty, nursing staff, caregivers, and well-wishers.

From the department of paediatric oncology, Dr Archana M V welcomed the gathering, Dr Swathi P M proposed the vote of thanks, and Dr Chaitra Venkatesh was the master of ceremonies.

The event ended on a note of gratitude and optimism, as families, clinicians, and volunteers came together to celebrate every small victory and to renew the collective hope that no child should have to face cancer alone.