‘Mithuruwela’: A unique initiative offering hope and support to cancer patients and caregivers
When Nelun Ratnasekera first took her husband for cancer treatment, back in 2003, she recalls observing the sadness prevalent throughout the clinic. All around her were several caregivers and patients, in tears, unable to fathom the uncertainties of the future. But at this point, she realized there were many of them, who found solace in talking to another person, going through a similar situation.
Mithuruwela Team at an Awareness Session in Ragalla, Nuwara Eliya. Left to right: Prof. Ryhana Raheem/Surangani Ratwatte/Naresh Ratwatte/Suhendra Thalayasingham/Nelun Ratnasekera/ Shirley Deen and Mala Thalayasingham
So whilst waiting for her husband to receive his treatment, Nelun would spend her time engaging in conversation with the caregivers. Her enthusiasm to help them led her to join ‘Mithuruwela’ a cancer support network.
“We want to show these people that we care and that we’re there for them,” she tells me as the team behind ‘Mithuruwela’ sit with us for a chat.
Mithuruwela’s story began in 2005, when its founding members, Professor Ryhana Raheem and Mala Thalayasingam (AAL), survived cancer and took the initiative to start a support group for cancer in Sri Lanka.
Sooner, they were joined by their family members, friends, their doctors and other survivors. Today, ‘Mithuruwela’, strives to help Sri Lankans, battling cancer, find the support they need to carry on. When Mala Thalayasingam, first started treatment at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital, she had access to information on cancer through the internet etc. But what she also realised at the time was that there were several other patients, who did not know anything about treatment or what they should do or avoid, when it comes to cancer.
Today, ‘Mithuruwela’ conducts several awareness programmes, aiming to educate the population. In fact quite recently, they also started programmes for the Sanasa Assurance and Sanasa Development Bank.
Their last project with the bank was conducted in July this year at Mapalagama in the Galle District by Sister Devika from the National Cancer Care Programme, Narahenpita. It focused on cancer in general, whilst also paying close attention to oral cancer which is often an issue in rural Sri Lanka.
Using illustrated flash cards, Sister Devika, explained how a simple self-examination for breast cancer could be carried out at home. She also advised participants to consult a doctor if they found anything unusual. Following her presentation, a screening session was also conducted for the female participants who wished to be tested.
About 35 female participants presented themselves and two of them, with breast lumps were referred for further screening.
‘Mithurwela’ has also conducted several similar programmes across the country, including areas such as Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna etc. The chairperson for Mithuruwela, Suhendran Thalayasingam explains that over the past few years, they have also managed to cover most of the plantation districts.
Through their work, the team also observed a stigma that surrounds cancer. This is more evident amongst the estate population. “We have to get over this stigma and the people have to be educated about it,” Suhendran tells us.
‘Mithurwela’s’ efforts aren’t just limited to the awareness programmes. Rather, they also focus on befriending and supporting both the cancer patient and their caregiver. At times they also provide nutrition and medicine to the patients.
Sister Devika from the National Cancer Care Programme conducts a sesion with flash cards
In order to raise funds for their projects, the organization has put together ‘Pink Ribbons,’ a musical fund-raiser which will be held on Sunday (October 14) at the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Auditorium, Galle Road, Colombo 3. The evening will showcase the soulful tunes of Dr. Feizal Zavahir of Pennsylvania, USA, who will also be joined by ‘Flame’.
“Cancer is not the end of the world,” Mala says. She adds that today there is a growing number of people wanting to be tested, which is encouraging. Back when “Mithuruwela” first started Prof. Ryhana, who has been working in the cancer wards, recalls observing the fear in people coming for surgeries. But as the years passed, she has also found people to be quite accepting of their situation. “There has been an educative shift among the women, who know that cancer is a problem, but that there is hope,” she says.
Tickets for ‘Pink Ribbons’ priced Rs. 2000 can be obtained by calling the hotline – 0776303550.
For more information log on to
www.cancersupportlk.org.