Page 41 - ACCF - Stories of Resilience

stories of trust resilience, hope, success and survival. Here I am sharing one such success story
of one of my patients whose trust, courage to fight and will power to survive has transformed the
darkest days of his life into inspiring tales of triumph.

HEMANTA SONAR(NAME CHANGED)
“The Battle of Strength and Hope “

Hemanta has always been known for his energy and zest for life. A man in his 50’s is the pillar of
the family and active community member. While he was living his good days, one morning he
suddenly felt a discomfort in his mouth. Initially, he presented with a complaint of slight redness
in the back of his mouth which he thought would be gone in few days. But to his surprise with
passing days, the irritation increased and pain became more intense. He could not bear it anymore.
He had heard of Assam Cancer Care Foundation, so, he went to his community ASHA and told
about his illness. ASHA talked to us about his condition and we decided to do a home visit to
Hemanta’s place.
On doing oral examination, I suspected a medical emergency and advised him for a biopsy and
also did a referral to Dibrugarh Cancer Center. On explaining the disease and its treatment plans,
Hemanta showed great enthusiasm which made him embark on a journey of change and learning.

This story highlights the importance of Community Outreach programme which has made a
great impact on the lives of rural people. Educating them on cancer helps eradicating the taboos
prevailing in the society. Also, from Hemanta’s success story, it highlights how patients education
about the disease and enthusiasm towards the treatment helps make the process much easier and
promising.

Dr Momota Upadhyaya

Dentist COP, Charaideo

ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION 41