Rakul and Dr Vijay Anand Reddy bring a grin on the face of cancer survivors

The Telugu translated version of I Am A Survivor, a compendium of real-life and awe-inspiring stories of courageous cancer survivors, authored by renowned Oncologist Dr

Vijay Anand Reddy

, was formally released on Sunday.

Former ace left-arm spinner Venkatapathi Raju and Tollywood diva Rakul Preet Singh were also present at the event. Addressing the cancer survivors, Rakul Preet said, "All of you are the real heroes, not us, we just portray a different character. The moment we refer to cancer it is related to death, it's a shocking word. I am glad that this book has been put together to tell so many inspiring stories and give everyone the courage to combat the disease. Congratulate all of you for winning over the dreaded disease and wish you all a very happy and healthy life."

Adding to that Vijay Anand said, "You taught me more than what I read during my post-graduation to do

oncology

, you gave life to this book and I learnt to treat you more than I learnt in my life. Thank you all for being part of my journey. Patients when diagnosed with cancer come to me in a desolate state, totally distraught about it being a death sentence; even after the disease is cured they are haunted of its relapse. It is to alleviate such thoughts and fears in the minds of patients I have come out with this book speaking true stories of survivors.” He added, “Today two-thirds of cancers are curable, though it’s difficult to believe. In movies, the best way they resort to, to get rid of a character is to portray him with cancer. But a positive attitude and the grit to fight the disease can rid patients of cancer and lead a normal life thereafter. Any patient with any cancer, anywhere in the world can relate their distress to these patients in the book and gain confidence, as it is coming from the patient himself who endured the disease and presenting his perspective."

Venkatapathi Raju said, "Thanks to movies, they always portrayed cancer in such a negative way, that you are never expected to survive. But because of Doctors like Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, we can see the smile on the faces of cancer survivors. The essence is that the survivors have shown the will power and grit to overcome the disease."