At PCCM, we understand the importance of support and the need for care when it comes to breast cancer. Our Pink Ribbon Support group was established in 2009 for patients and caregivers. It has over 5000 members till date. This group hand holds the patients and caregivers through the bewildering maze of challenges the disease brings to its wake, preparing them for a normal life after treatment. These volunteers and caregivers -often-unsung heroes- provide hours of assistance to patients by volunteering their time at our in-house chemotherapy daycare and even during ongoing surgeries and radiation regimes. Not only do they provide area-wise support but also support the caregivers by sending meals, dropping or picking their children from school and occasionally treating them to manicures or movies.
Monthly activities are organized involving movies, picnics and breast awareness symposiums and holistic activities such as yoga for the caregivers. In addition, an annual breast cancer awareness marathon is organized in Pune to bring patients and caregivers together. Through these activities, survivors and newly-diagnosed patients are provided a platform and encouraged to share their experiences with each other. The caregivers are encouraged to appreciate the importance of looking after their own mental and physical well-being in addition to those of the patients.
The FoodBank project at PCCM provides food assistance to women in need going through treatment for breast cancer. The Food Bank takes care of the unique nutritional needs of patients in treatment or recovery and includes healthful items, especially fresh produce, grains, supplements etc free of cost. This program, which is funded by private donors, addresses a critical need of struggling patients and their families, relieving them of the burden of worrying about the when’s, what’s, and ifs of their next meals, so they can focus on treatment. The bank also provides with personal hygiene products and other basic utilities.
