Cancer survivors and PwDs walk the ramp at city awareness event

Bhubaneswar: Cancer survivors and persons with disabilities (PwDs) walked the ramp with models on the occasion of World Cancer Day in an event organised by the Red Swastik Society, Odisha Chapter, here on Sunday. The event saw an enthusiastic participation of people from all walks of life who were seen encouraging the cancer survivors and persons with disabilities gathered to celebrate the day. During the event, named Sanjivani, five cancer survivors received financial aid for their medications and livelihood.“Our aim is to create awareness on cancer and help those in need of aid. We have been working for the welfare of the cancer patients for many years. The ramp and other cultural shows have been organised to celebrate their fighter spirit,” said Bijoy Acharya, chairman of the society.During the celebrations, about 100 persons with disabilities were provided with different rehabilitation equipment such as prosthetic hands, legs and related items. The Red Swastik Society aims to provide such equipment to 200 more persons with disabilities.“We have not only been providing the rehabilitation equipment to persons with disabilities, but are also helping them in their livelihoods. Very soon we are going to launch a fundraising activity to help an 11-year-old boy for his bone marrow transplantation,” said Debasish Patnaik, secretary of the society.K John, a resident of Koraput who received a pair of prosthetic legs during the event, thanked the organisers. John had lost both his legs in a train accident back in 2011. He said the society had approached him and had voluntarily offered to help him.“I had lost my leg in 2011 in an accident and got a pair of prosthetic legs from Jaipur. But it didn’t last long. The Red Swastik arrived as a messiah to me. I thank them for the help. It allows me to continue with my livelihood,” John, an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, said.