More than 3000 people converged on Vinay Marg in New Delhi on Sunday the 15th of February to Walk for Life with CanSupport. It was a glorious morning: sunny, mild, perfect. It felt like a good portent. And it was.
By 9 a.m. the area around Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, was a sea of enthusiastic walkers. There were senior citizens and young families, students and business leaders, celebrities and the folks next door.
They came to express their support to the work being done by CanSupport and to help raise awareness of the needs of people with cancer. They came in wheelchairs, pushed strollers or prams or were led by their dogs
Like last year, the walk this year too was flagged off by Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, the ever-gracious wife of India's Prime Minister. Addressing the gathering Mrs. Gursharan Kaur said: ". besides financial support, patients need emotional and social support"
She led the walkers and was accompanied by the US Ambassador to India David Mulford and his wife Jeannie Mulford, who is a breast cancer survivor, celebrated designer Mrs Ritu Kumar and the Founder-President of CanSupport, Harmala Gupta
Other dignitaries who joined thousands of Delhi's citizens were Ms. Brinda Karat, politburo member of the CPI(M), noted industrialist Mr C K Birla, Mr Anil Wilson, ex-principal of St Stephen's College, and Rod Pryde head of the British Council.
Also present were well-known oncologists and cancer survivors, several of whom are being currently cared for by CanSupport. Many walked in honour of friends or relatives and wrote moving tributes on the Wall of Honour
There were sizable contingents from corporate groups and from civil society - KPMG, IIFCO, Boeing, Promed Exports (P) Ltd, Hotel Shangri-La, Pallavanjali, Prerna School of Inspiration, Taj Hotels, Max New York Life Insurance, Birla Soft Ltd, to name a few.
Despite the seriousness of the purpose, it was also a fun-filled morning. There were prizes to be won, clowns and dancers who entertained, while colourful balloons and music added to the feeling of cheer.
We wish to thank the organising committee, which included CanSupport staff and volunteers and expat volunteers. Kudos are due also to those who volunteered on the day, to our sponsors and to those who provided support in so many ways.
To those of you who walked this time, a big THANK YOU. Join us again next year! To those of you who didn't, find out what you are missing by joining us next year as we 'Walk for Life'.
