- Its First initiative is Stories from the STAGE by Cancer Winners
Kolkata, 26 June 2025: In a heartfelt initiative to mark National Cancer Survivors Month, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) has launched ‘CanWin’—a pioneering cancer support group aimed at uniting and empowering individuals across the cancer journey through shared stories and emotional strength.
Unveiled at a moving event in Kolkata, the CanWin initiative kicked off with “Stories from the Stage,” an emotional storytelling session led by cancer winners themselves. Survivors including Aloke Mukherjee, Manini Ray, Gayatri Chatterjee, Mathummal Sudarshan, Jyoti Kejriwal, and Bireswar Sarkar took the stage to share raw, personal narratives of diagnosis, resilience, treatment, and triumph.
“Cancer challenged my spirit and body, but it also revealed an inner strength I didn’t know existed,” said Aloke Mukherjee, a survivor of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. His journey, echoed by others, served as a beacon of hope for patients still navigating the path.
Manini Ray, a breast cancer survivor, reflected, “I carry my scars with pride—they are proof that I endured and emerged stronger.” Similarly, Mathummal Sudarshan, a malignant melanoma survivor, emphasized the importance of turning fear into strength and living with purpose.
The essence of ‘CanWin’ lies in its name—‘CAN’ symbolizing possibility within the word “cancer,” and ‘WIN’ representing the mindset of perseverance. It’s a brand-agnostic, inclusive platform open to all patients, caregivers, oncologists, and bystanders.
Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President of Group Oncology & International at Apollo Hospitals, said, “Today’s fight against cancer goes beyond clinical treatment—it’s also about emotional resilience. With CanWin, we’re creating a platform for shared strength and healing, where storytelling becomes a therapeutic and empowering tool.”
Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals (Eastern Region), added, “This initiative humanises cancer care. We are fostering a community where courage is shared, stories are heard, and emotional well-being becomes a part of the healing process.”
Mentored by professional storyteller Ms. Sristi Sengupta, the cancer winners turned their silent battles into powerful narratives of transformation. “These are not just stories; they are reframing what it means to live beyond cancer,” she said.
The event also saw the participation of leading oncologists who highlighted the rising survival rates due to early detection and advanced therapies. They stressed that emotional support, like that provided through CanWin, is essential for complete recovery.
CanWin will offer ongoing monthly events, storytelling therapy, survivor-led workshops, expert Q&A sessions, and volunteering opportunities—creating a compassionate, resilient community rooted in empathy and shared experience.
For those touched by cancer—whether patient, caregiver, or survivor—CanWin extends a hand, a voice, and a reminder: you are not alone, and you can win.
