Five cancer survivors and 40 hair donors take center stage at cancer awareness drive at indian consulate in Dubai
At 85, Bhama Subramanian has not only survived cancer three times over the past 25 years but emerged each time with unmatched strength and optimism. The Dubai-based Indian grandmother, who has undergone 85 radiation sessions, seven chemotherapy treatments, and surgery, was celebrated as a beacon of hope at a cancer awareness event held at the Indian Consulate, reported gulfnews.com.
“Today, i stand here not just as a survivor, but as a three-time winner,” says Bhama Subramanian at the inspirational event.
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Addressing the gathering ahead of World Cancer Survivors Day, Bhama recounted her journey through stage 2 breast cancer in 2000, parotid gland cancer in 2002, and stage 4 spinal cancer just two years ago
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“Each time, I learnt to value life more deeply,” she said, attributing her resilience to her positive outlook, love for cricket, puzzles, and politics
She joined four other survivors at the event—each with powerful stories that underlined the importance of early detection, support systems, and mental strength. Among them was Shazia Kouser, who discovered her cancer just two months after her mother’s diagnosis in 2021. “Early detection saved my life,” she shared, encouraging others to pay attention to their bodies.
Survivors defy cancer, taboos, and stigma to spread awareness and support.
Stage one survivor Premila D’Souza emphasized annual mammograms, stating, “Cancer should fear you, not the other way around.” Stage two survivor Premi Mathew, founder of Hair for Hope India and the Protect Your Mom campaign, has made awareness her life’s mission for the last 14 years. “It’s not cancer that kills, it’s ignorance,” she said.
Renuka Sharma, a Carnatic music teacher and stage three survivor, spoke of the dangers of delaying check-ups due to a hectic lifestyle. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, she continued teaching and socialising to encourage others to get screened.
The event also featured a visual showcase where five fashion students represented different cancer stages, delivering a strong visual impact.
Donate hair to give hope to cancer patients in ‘Cut-a-Thon’ drive.
In a heartfelt session called ‘Cut-A-Thon’, 40 individuals aged 6 to 75—including four boys—donated their hair to help make wigs for cancer patients. Their stories ranged from personal loss to solidarity with loved ones battling cancer. The donated hair will be used by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) in Sharjah to create natural wigs, provided free of cost.
Dr. Nishi Singh highlighted the need for genetic screening and a healthy lifestyle to strengthen immunity against cancer.
Indian Consulate’s Bijender Singh inaugurated the donation drive by cutting the hair of 10-year-old donor Devamsh Panicker, while Reema Mahajan, founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), called the event “a celebration of strength, not just survival.”