Manipal Hospitals hosts special evening for young cancer survivors at RCB match, Bringing joy and hope to lives

Bengaluru: Manipal Hospitals, the official health partner for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), went out of its way to offer a group of 20 cancer survivors and their families a relaxing and fun-filled evening. This special initiative is taken to provide young cancer survivors and their parents with the experience of an exclusive match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Patients experience fear, grief, and isolation during the period between diagnosis and recovery from cancer. Even after recovery, these feelings persist. Patients must overcome their fears to embrace new opportunities and heal mentally. Especially in children, cancer can be a daunting experience with frequent hospital visits for treatment causing them to abandon their childhood of playing and having fun, losing hope and enthusiasm to live their lives to the fullest. Keeping this in mind, Manipal Hospitals reached out to 20 cancer survivors and their parents, assuring them of proper safety, care, and a fun-filled day at the event. Each participant was given a wristband for easy identification, and with the help of the RCB team, provided an exclusive entry point into the stadium that was less crowded.

Speaking on the initiative, Karthik Rajagopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals, said, “Manipal Hospitals has always been at the forefront of fostering an environment that inspires patients to embark on new journeys. We recognize the challenges and hardships faced by children battling cancer and aim to offer them moments of joy and inspiration. Bringing them to an IPL match was our way of showing support, spreading smiles, and creating lasting memories. In compliance with the BCCI team’s regulations, we arranged health assessments and dispensed medications in advance, with medical stations and committed volunteers on standby to ensure their safety throughout the event.”

Among the 20 cancer survivors, there were two young individuals with particularly unique and challenging cases. These young survivors, Manya (8 years) and Kiran Rathod (10 years), bravely fought against blood and bone cancer at such a young age.

Manya was just 8 years old when she embarked on a medical journey with the challenges of blood cancer. Symptoms including febrile illness, abdominal distension, and generalized weakness became roadblocks in her thriving life, leading Manya’s parents to bring her to Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road where she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia – Pre B-cell Type.

Dr. Mallikarjun Kalashetty, Consultant – Haematology, Haemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, commented on Manya’s journey, said, “From the initial shock of diagnosis to the unpredictability of chemotherapy and other supportive care, Manya and her family faced a rollercoaster of emotions. Her treatment journey included moments of triumph and heartache. Despite challenges like sepsis and recurrent fever, which led to the removal of her chemo port, Manya remained resilient. She completed induction and consolidation therapy under my team’s care, and now, as she continues to live a stable life, her spirit shines brightly after overcoming challenges”

Similarly, Kiran Rathod, a 10-year-old boy, struggled with Non-metastatic Left Tibia Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. His ordeal began with persistent pain and swelling in his left leg, causing difficulty walking and limping. After a comprehensive diagnosis in June 2023, Kiran underwent treatments, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery performed by Dr. Srimanth B S, Lead Consultant – Orthopaedic Oncology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road. Despite a difficult recovery process, Kiran’s resilience and supportive care have led him to a healthy life today.

These stories demonstrate the importance of timely treatments and support, showcasing how Manipal Hospitals positively impacts the lives of young cancer survivors.

As part of the Manipal Hospitals Community Connect initiative, both Manya and Kiran Rathod are among the cancer survivors who had the opportunity to be in the stadium and cheer on their favorite teams in the live IPL match between RCB and SRH. For these resilient children, the outing was more than just a fun event—it was a dream come true as they met their cricketing idols and soaked in the thrilling atmosphere of a live match.