Children’s Day with Sania Mirza

Apollo Cancer Hospital conducted children’s day celebrations on Wednesday in Hyderabad. Tennis sensation Sania Mirza participated in this programme and felicitated the child cancer survivors. The theme of the celebrations was ‘It Came, We fought, I Won! I am the Hero.’

Speaking on the occasion Sania Mirza said, “I myself underwent three surgeries. That seemed to be the toughest part of my life. But looking at these kids who fought against cancer, the trauma I underwent seems to be very small. I lost my grandfather due to cancer as there was no advanced treatment at that time.”

Sania expressed concern over radiation and pollution in the environment. She called upon the parents to consult a doctor if they found their children dull or inactive. Early detection of cancer could help completely cure cancer, she added.

Dr P Vijay Anand Reddy, director, Apollo Cancer Hospital explaining the symptoms of cancer said, “Most of childhood cancers are curable. Children could cope with cancer treatment better than adults and also recover much faster. In India, around 45,000 new cases of childhood cancers are diagnosed every year.”

Parents of child cancer survivors interacted and shared their experiences with the parents of children who were still undergoing treatment for cancer cure. Through this programme child cancer survivors sent a strong message that cancer can be conquered and life would be normal thereafter. A number of cancer children and deaf and dumb kids participated in painting competition conducted in the hospital.