The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Gopi, Jwala bring smiles on the faces of cancer patients

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Sunday, Dec 12, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Gopi, Jwala bring smiles on the faces of cancer patients

Special Correspondent

Attend 11 {+t} {+h} anniversary celebrations of the Laryngectomee Society in the city

PhotoS: G. Krishnaswamy

For a cause: Dronacharya awardee P. Gopichand and badminton player Gutta Jwala with cancer patients as part of Laryngectomee Society's anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

HYDERABAD: Cancer survivors at the Apollo Hospital on Saturday were in for a pleasant surprise when former All England champion Pullela Gopichand and ace doubles player Gutta Jwala spent some time with them as part of the 11 {+t} {+h} anniversary celebrations of the Laryngectomee Society in Hyderabad.

The joy on the faces of these patients was a clear reflection when Gopi made those general enquiries about their health during his interaction. “These survivors are a great source of inspiration to several of us who make small problems look too big,” the Dronacharya winner remarked.

“The significance of the efforts of the Society is that they not only cures the patients from the disease but also show them a rehab programme to lead a normal life. I believe this is a wonderful concept for anyone who is down and out and has recovered from a shock of his life needs this caring touch,” Gopi explained.

‘Role models'

Jwala too felt that cancer survivors are the real role models for sportspersons because of their indefatigable spirit.

“They signify that nothing is impossible in this world if only one shows the guts and the courage to take on any adversity,” she pointed out. “We all should take a leaf out of their lives,” said the visibly moved champion player.

Dr. Umanath Nayak, founder-president of the Society, reminded that 12 per cent of the cancers in India are related to the throat and that about one lakh cancers are diagnosed every year.

Interestingly, the twin cities alone account for 1,000 cases every year, he added.

“The Society reiterates its commitment to take care of these cases (treatment means involving surgical removal of the voice-box but trained to speak with special voice prosthesis) with the desired passion,” he assured.

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