The Indira Cancer Trust, set up in memory of Indira Jayasuriya, who passed away in November 2016 from breast cancer at the age of 40 years, launched their latest programme “Fashion with a Purpose”, at the Bride and Groom Wedding Fair, where Diriya Hala patients’ children took to the ramp in support of their parents struggles with cancer. The event took place on 24 April at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and was graced by Mayoress of Colombo Rosy Senanayake.
At the fair, the Indira Cancer Trust also conducted a TLC (touch, look, check) workshop to help women detect signs of breast cancer. We spoke to volunteer/Media Co-ordinator Chitrika De Mel, who stated that they were indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to showcase TLC through promotion of breast self-examination at the BMICH. The presence of the Early Detection Unit of the National Cancer Control Programme, with their display of information material and demonstration of self-examination, was also needed. She added that they were honoured to have the Mayoress visit their stall.
Speaking to us about the “Fashion with a Purpose” event, De Mel added: “We were given the opportunity to have a fashion show by the event organisers, and we are not too big on fashion shows, so we thought why not give the opportunity for the children of the patients who are also facing the social stigma because of the fact that their parents are dealing with cancer, or have lost their parent to cancer.”
They got a group of 10 children from five families, and they were trained by another young girl who had done dancing examinations, and they put on a small dance recital. They also showcased a little patient performing a song that he self-composed, about his mother.
Talking about the children, De Mel added: “Taken together, these are our children who have witnessed firsthand how their parents had the courage to fight cancer. It is our role to encourage all of them as well as be a strength to their endeavour.
“Their fight is ours too. Just as there are children with such parents, there are parents with such children everywhere in the world. So all of these were family members of our own Indira Cancer Trust.”
She also added that Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe Ornella Gunasekara, who happens to be a volunteer at the cancer trust, came forward to host the show.
De Mel explained that this event was part of their Diriya Hala event, where their main goal is to empower patients and their families. “For six months, the trust supports them by training them in the relevant field, and then thereafter, they execute whatever they learn and they take their products home. So the show provided them with an opportunity to perform whatever they have learned.”
Giving us a background into what exactly Diriya Hala is, she added that one of the main issues identified with the livelihood support was the lack of a regular place of sale for the patients who make different products. The Psychological Counselling, Spiritual, and Social Development Unit of the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama and the Department of Social Service, Western Province, initiated the Diriya Hala concept to overcome this barrier.
“The Indira Cancer Trust got involved during the first opening of Diriya Hala on 1 April 2018 and has continued to support this effort by having regular Diriya Hala stalls every Wednesday at leading government institutions, co-ordinating efforts to participate in special Christmas/New Year sales as well as at special gatherings.”
The event was successfully concluded with a lot of smiling children and proud parents. The Indira Cancer Trust’s work will always be commendable.
