Mangaluru: SPARSHA, a joint campaign on Cancer by CODP and Caritas India, was launched on 10th December 2019 at CODP® Mangaluru. The campaign envisages the inclusion of awareness, prevention, detection, counseling and treatment of the dreaded disease.
The program began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song led by CODP Staff.
After the prayer, a video on the focus and scope of Sparsha, prepared by Fr Richard D’Souza, Director of Canara Communications Centre was presented.
Fr Oswald Monteiro, Director of CODP, welcomed the dignitaries and stated that in Karnataka, the number of cancer cases is increasing and he said the ‘Sparsha’ program aims at creating awareness in the society about cancer and to prevent it.
Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, inaugurated the program by unveiling the Logo of ‘Sparsha’. In his message to the audience, he said that there are various hospitals in our city to provide treatment for Cancer but rehabilitation centers are also required for follow-up and rehabilitation of cancer patients.
Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Director, Fr. Muller Hospital watered the Lakshman Phal sapling and addressed the gathering. He said that Fr Muller Hospital provides various services for Cancer patients and also helps them to overcome the disease by treatment at the right time.
Mr. Sachithananda M.L., District Coordinator of SAST, appreciated the initiative taken by CODP through the ‘Sparsha’ program to create awareness in the society. He also gave information about various government schemes regarding health.
Mrs. Jesel DSouza gave her testimony on Cancer and how she overcame this disease.
Dr. Rudolph Rodrigues, Palliative Medicine, A.J. Hospital, explained in detail about cancer, symptoms, identification, and prevention through an awareness talk.
Mrs. Shilpa Raina DSouza, Coordinator of Sparsha and Ms. Lenet Gonsalves, Program Manager of CODP compered the program; Mrs. Rita DSouza, Coordinator of CODP proposed the Vote of thanks.
Nearly 100 people attended the inaugural.
SPARSHA – Focus, scope, and activity:
- Awareness program in various schools, colleges, churches, and Self Help Groups.
- Cancer Day observation.
- Cancer detection camps, in rural and urban areas.
- Awareness and promotion of Kitchen/Nutrient gardens to encourage people to grow sprouts and vegetables without using Chemicals in their own gardens or grow bags.
- Creating and promoting Sparsha Ambassadors and volunteers.
- Hair donation drives.
- Walkathon and Street plays to create awareness about cancer.
