Page 48 - ACCF - Stories of Resilience

hospital.

Once there, they met with a caring physician who diagnosed Mintu with oral cancer. The news was both terrifying and surreal
for Mintu. The family’s concern shifted from not knowing what cancer was to wondering if they could afford the treatment.
Surgery was recommended as the next step but the thought of paying for it was a huge concern for Mintu who had no means
of affording the procedure.
Fortunately, the hospital’s community outreach team provided financial assistance through a special fund to cover the cost
of his surgery. This support lifted a great burden off Mintu’s shoulders and he underwent the surgery. The procedure was
successful but the road to recovery was full of challenges.

After the surgery, Mintu struggled with his self-image particularly because the surgery was done on his face. He couldn’t help
but worry about how his neighbours and friends would react to his changed appearance. Would they treat him differently?
Would they show him pity or disgust? These thoughts weighed heavily in his mind, creating psychological turmoil as he tried
to adjust to his new reality.

However, to his surprise, everything turned out better than he had feared. His neighbours and friends, who had known him for
years, supported him throughout his recovery. They admired his strength and courage and soon Mintu realized that people’s
reactions were full of kindness and compassion and not judgment.

Now, Mintu is healthy and happy, living a life filled with gratitude. He is no longer weighed down by fear or self-doubt. With
his family by his side and the support of the community, he has overcome the challenges which cancer brought into his life.

48 FAITH, COURAGE, AND SUPPORT MAKE THE JOURNEY OF SURVIVAL POSSIBLE