We met Subash (name changed) in September, 2020. One could only but imagine what a man he must have been in his days of glory. He grew up on the streets of Uttar Pradesh; his charisma and undeterred outlook towards life, paved his way forward. Life was nearly perfect; he married his young love who belonged to the far east of the country, had two chirpy little ones, and worked as a civil contractor. It wasn’t until one day an uninvited stranger came knocking on their door, that they knew their lives weren’t going to remain the same. Cancer.

At the age of 55, Subash (name changed) was diagnosed with colon cancer. On hearing the news, his wife sobbed uncontrollably. They say, when someone has cancer, everyone who loves them has it too. But Subash (name changed) was a fighter, and he fought. His treatment began in AIIMS hospital, and it wasn’t long before his physical condition became stable and life reverted back to normalcy. With every passing day, the family came closer. They learned to love more passionately, to feel more deeply; to be grateful for every breath that they took. Given a second chance at life, who wouldn’t?

But the Almighty had a different trajectory planned for them. The cancer reoccurred, and this time, stronger than ever. Subash (name changed) was hopeful, but gradually his condition worsened, and he became bedridden. It was then the doctor suggested palliative care, and we met Subash (name changed) for the first time. He looked so delicate, so fragile, but one look into his eyes, and you’d know he still had a lot of fight left in him. Subash (name changed) knew what the future held for him, but he had to fight; fight till he’d given his family all that he could, even after he was gone.

Death is a concept we’re all familiar with, but not one of us has experienced death. The closest we come to feeling what death must feel like is when we lose someone close to us to death. When our team spoke to the family about the diagnosis and prognosis of Subash (name changed)’s cancer, they said nothing. Their tears were enough to express what was left unsaid. Our team guided them through the ways they would need to help their loved one, and they listened to us with such attentiveness, almost like they were desperately seeking for the smallest ray of hope in our words. That night, they all stood together holding hands, not a word was spoken, but their eyes conveyed every emotion that they felt. They were one, and they were in this together.

Over the next few weeks, our palliative care team and the family joined hands and worked together to bring Subash (name changed) physical, emotional and spiritual relief. Every night, he would tell the family stories about his life, all the lessons that he had learned and how he wished to see both of his children embark bravely on the beautiful adventure called life.

When Subash (name changed) realised that everything that had to be done was done, with his entire family around him, our fighter took his one last breath and left for his heavenly abode.

Born from the ashes, he was a fighter. We the entire CanSupport team are grateful to Subash (name changed) and his family, to have allowed us to help them, to serve them, and to be a small chapter of their story.

They are many people like Subash who need palliative care but they don’t know where to go. While CanSupport is doing its best the reach out to people informing them about their services, we request you to spread the word.

Share our Helpline Number 011-41010539 with to all the needy people. Though all CanSupport services are free of charge for patients, the cost of reaching out to patients and caring for them cost Rs. 1400/- per visit per patient.

If you would like to support our cause, please donate at https://cansupport.org/donate

(Picture in display is representation of CanSupport Home care Services)