“We all have a mission,” says ‘Cancercare’ pioneer Sr. Joan D’Souza.
The cheerful looking nun has been walking into the Kapur ward of the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bangalore every week since 1993 (when she founded Cancercare), together with her team with sweets and gifts to cheer up little children suffering from cancer. Her most recent recognition of service was from the ‘Living Bread Publications’ in Feb 2015.
Joan D’Souza (born January 14, 1934) who joined the congregation of the ‘Good Shepherd Sisters’ in 1964 shares her experiences with suffering cancer patients with Ashish T Antony and Adolf Washington in this interview for Matters India:
Excerpts:
What inspired you set up Cancercare?
I firmly believe God has entrusted a mission to everyone and this mission to provide succor to those suffering from cancer gracefully fell on me. The death of my aunt who suffered from cancer pained me but in it I could see God calling me to create a vision in reaching out to all those suffering from this deadly disease. My heart moves with empathy especially towards little children who contract cancer and suffer so much. Though I often ask myself why they should suffer so much I realize that even that short span of time they would live I can be an instrument in helping them experience God’s love and care.
What message that Cancercare pass on to society?
We tell people through various means that cancer is not the end; it can be cured if detected early. Primarily Cancercare instills hope for a better tomorrow for those detected with cancer. We conduct health camps, seminars and workshops in schools and colleges, provide counseling services for terminally ill patients and make efforts to meet the cost of medicines for the poor.
Are there particular caution messages your campaigns carry?
Certainly, we caution people about their lifestyles regarding hygiene and also consumption of poisonous substances like tobacco products, alcohol which put people at greater risk of contracting liver cancer.
As a religious nun, how have you seen Faith in rendering solace to people?
I have met hundreds of cancer patients who rely greatly on the providence of God in receiving hope, comfort and healing. And miracles are happening. On the other hand, we do come across many people drifting away from belief in Divine providence.
Do you recall any painful experiences in your mission?
The most painful experiences are when you watch children suffering from cancer. They undergo severe physical and emotional pain at a time when their life has just begun.
I recall an incident where two young boys who suffered from leukemia (blood cancer) and their mother was in a severe pain of constant grief. The boys underwent treatment; we provided all our support and prayed for them, but only one survived.
Would you have reached out to people suffering with other diseases?
A large number of problems in the world today are linked to each other. I also see poverty as the most direct cause of diseases and health problems. Millions of people have a scarcity for food, water and other basic necessities and many have no access to education and employment. Social unrest, political and economic turmoil in many parts of the world also cause much misery to people. We wish we could reach out to all these people, but in my own little way with the tremendous help and support of so many spirit-filled people, we are reaching out to cancer patients.
Who would succeed you in continuing this mission at Cancercare?
Most of our duly elected office bearers and committee members are laymen. All of them work as a team to run the organization and fight for the cause. Each plays a significant role in organizing, supporting, administrating and various other functionalities; these lay people, by God’s grace will certainly continue this mission.