In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.
On 24 November 2023, my batchmate Dr. Sibhi Ganapathy succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a long battle with the disease. A neurosurgeon by training, and an accomplished vocalist, his passion was singing, winning several awards in college. Apart from excelling in academics, he was involved in dramatics, and a range of extracurricular activities. An only child, his demise came as a shock to everyone who knew him.
I will be running 100 miles (161 km) in his memory at the Jarakabande Eco Ultra on 17 and 18 February 2024. Simultaneously, I am trying to raise funds for poor and deserving cancer patients at Christian Medical College, Vellore, my alma mater.
Why 100 miles?
The number 100 has special significance, with ancient Hindu texts dividing human life into four life stages, each lasting around 25 years, thus assuming 100 years’ of life.
As an experienced runner, I have participated in multiple ultramarathons, with the longest being 60 km at the Ooty Ultra. Running 100 km is comparatively easy to complete, and does not present a real challenge. However, there is no ‘easy’ 100 mile race. Completing the distance may involve moving (running/walking) for over 24 hours (the cutoff time is 35 hours at Jarakabande, but varies considerably between 100 mile events), including through the night. Apart from fighting extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation, it is common to develop blisters on the feet, and chafing at multiple sites.
Additionally, with each passing hour, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain nutrition and hydration due to taste fatigue, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress (which may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or both). In the face of these issues, the mind begins telling one to quit- even if one can physically continue. Therefore, completing a 100 mile race requires not just physical fitness to go the distance, but considerable mental strength to continue in the presence of suffering. In a word, I will need every ounce of determination I can muster to complete the 100 mile race. Determination is also what defined Sibhi’s life. It is said of 100 mile races that one experiences ‘life in a day’ during such events. That is what my 100 mile race boils down to- a tribute to Sibhi’s life in a day (or more) of my life.
How can you support?
Contribute to the treatment of poor and deserving cancer patients at CMC, Vellore.
- Through the dedicated donation page linked to this cause
- Through bank account transfer (e.g., NEFT) by contacting dev.office@cmcvellore.ac.in for details
- By cheque or DD payable to “CMC Vellore Association” and send it to Dr. Vinoi George David, Development Office, CMC Hospital, Vellore 632004, Tamil Nadu, India.
Every contribution- big or small- is precious, and I appeal to you to donate generously to this cause.
Many of us spend over Rs.1000 on a single hotel meal, or on a movie night, etc. If you could just contribute the cost of a single such indulgence to this cause, I will be grateful to you.
Please state the purpose of your contribution, and mention my name ‘Dr. Roopesh’ in your communications with Development Office. This will ensure that your donation goes to the account created for this cause.
Contributions to CMC, Vellore are exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. For more details, please contact dev.office@cmcvellore.ac.in.
Overseas donors may also contact dev.office@cmcvellore.ac.in for guidance on ways to donate, as well as possible tax benefits.
Share details of this fundraising campaign
Regardless of whether you donate to this cause or not, please share details of this fundraising campaign with others who can. Cancer treatment is expensive, and many of those who develop cancer belong to lower socioeconomic classes. Even if one has health insurance, cancer treatment costs are likely to push a family into severe debt. A breakup of various direct medical costs associated with cancer care in India is given here. Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, costs may range from a minimum of Rs. 250 000 to several times that amount. Thus, if this fundraising campaign raises a total of Rs. 250 000, it will barely cover costs for one patient. I am hoping to raise enough funds for at least ten patients. The more number of people who contribute, the closer we can get to that goal, and more patients will benefit.
Post a comment
There will be many times during the race when I will be feeling low and needing motivation to continue. You can post a message to motivate me during those tough times- either on this blog, on facebook (Liaquat Roopesh), email (commed4all@gmail.com), or WhatsApp (if you have my phone number).
Cheer me during the race
If you are in Bengaluru on the 17th or 18th of February, you can come and cheer me during the event. There may not be much to do at the race venue (it is a eucalyptus forest), and there are no hotels or tea stalls nearby, so you will have to plan accordingly.
No matter how you support this cause, I appreciate your efforts and thank you for your contribution. Thank You very much!
Useful Links:
Link to the donation page linked to this cause:
Link to the 100 mile race website:
https://bhasinsports.com/jarakabande-2024/
Link to news article describing various costs involved in cancer care:
communitymedicine4all 