TOWARDS THE GROWTH OF THE SMALL

Thirteen-year-old Prateek eagerly anticipated his return to his village in Jhajjhar, Haryana. For the past seven months, he had been living away from everything he knew and loved at Grace, a residential facility provided by the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC). Prateek’s journey began in August 2019 when his parents brought him to Delhi after his persistent cough turned out to be something more serious. A CT scan revealed a tumor, and the doctors at PGI Rohtak referred them to RGCIRC. Subsequent tests confirmed that Prateek had T-cell lymphoma, a fast-growing and acute cancer that typically responds well to chemotherapy.
During Prateek’s treatment, his family stayed at Grace, a home away from home provided by RGCIRC specifically for pediatric patients and their families. Meenu, Prateek’s mother and a teacher in their village, expressed her wistful longing for their return home, which they had missed during their time in Delhi. She shared how the hospital helped them access the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, and although they had to spend a significant amount of their own savings on treatment, staying at Grace had been a source of comfort. Meenu emphasized the critical importance of hygiene when caring for a child with a serious illness, something she learned firsthand at Grace. Being in close proximity to the hospital was immensely beneficial, as they could quickly rush Prateek there in case of emergencies or complications during his chemotherapy.
One of the most valuable aspects of staying at Grace was the opportunity for Prateek to interact and play with other children facing similar challenges. Meenu recalled the anxious moments they experienced but also acknowledged the support they received from other parents who understood their struggles. The emotional and social support they found at Grace would have been difficult to obtain had they been on their own.
The provision of Grace as a residential facility for pediatric patients and their families is part of RGCIRC’s commitment to reaching out to this vulnerable population. Dr. Gauri Kapoor, Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, explained that the cost of cancer treatment can be burdensome, particularly for middle-income families. In addition to medical expenses, there are hidden costs such as transportation, accommodation, and the loss of income for a parent accompanying the sick child. Families from various states and cities across India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kashmir, Sikkim, and the northeastern states, often face the challenge of finding clean and proximate board and lodging.
Finding a suitable place for rent in Delhi that caters to people with cancer proved to be a difficult task for RGCIRC. However, after seven years of making do with sub-optimal infrastructure and short-term funding, Grace became a reality. The Krishnans, whose child had completed treatment at RGCIRC, expressed their desire to contribute beyond routine gifts, and Dr. Kapoor responded to their commitment by exploring the idea of renting a residential facility for patients. A four-floor apartment building was taken on a long-term lease, providing families with clean, self-sufficient rooms, shared kitchen facilities, staff for educational and play activities, security, and maintenance.
Grace is offered free of cost, with only minimal charges covering basic expenses such as electricity, water, gas, and other services. Families who can afford it are asked to contribute, instilling a sense of involvement and accountability. No income certificates are required, and decisions about charges are made based on a fair assessment of need. Dr. Kapoor emphasized that when in doubt, they waive all charges.
Philanthropic outreach in pediatric cancer care has been an integral part of RGCIRC since its inception. The focus is on arranging funds based on the ability to cure the disease rather than the patient’s ability to pay. CEO DS Negi highlighted that childhood cancers constitute 3% of all known cancers, and 90% of these cases are curable with proper and timely treatment.
The humane essence of Grace lies in its provision of not just physical shelter but also emotional support, understanding, and a sense of belonging to families facing the daunting challenge of pediatric cancer. By alleviating the financial burden and providing a supportive environment, RGCIRC’s Grace enables families to focus on their child’s treatment and recovery while fostering a sense of community among parents in similar situations. The ongoing commitment to pediatric cancer care at RGCIRC, exemplified by Grace, aims to cure as many children as possible, offering hope and healing to vulnerable young lives and their families.