Kochi; With a ‘Liveathon’ that radiated `the vibes' of survival and the strength of friendships supporting loved ones in their fight against cancer, the eighth edition of ‘Kerala Can,’ a cancer prevention program organized by Manorama News, has drawn to a close. The event concluded with a powerful message on effective cancer prevention and hopes of survival, along with the implementation of free treatment and check-up programs worth Rs 50 lakh. Actor Jayasurya led the `Liveathon', which featured experts and cancer survivors sharing their experiences of overcoming the disease through willpower and hard work. The slogan for this year’s event was ‘Let’s restore the joy of life.’
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest P. Prasad, the Minister for Agriculture, emphasized that food and lifestyle are key factors in cancer prevention. He advocated a return to organic agriculture and traditional ways of life as the first step in preventing the disease. Fr. Sijo Panthappilli, Manager of Believers Church Medical College Hospital in Thiruvalla, which partnered with Manorama News in this cancer prevention mission, and Romi Mathew, Chief Coordinating Editor of Manorama News, also spoke on the occasion.
During the event, the minister handed over a painting by artist Razi Rozario to Fr. Sijo Panthappilli. Razi, a Kochi-based artist, derives his name by adding the name of a close friend who died of cancer. Singer Swetha Mohan released a cancer awareness song composed by music director Deepak Dev and friends, fulfilling a wish expressed by their rockstar friend Koshy Thomas. Besides Swetha Mohan, Deepak Dev and Friends, Mythri Sreekanth, Nisha Jose K. Mani, 11-year-old Isa Fathima, Smitha Salim (mother of Sandra Salim, a dancer and influencer who passed away from cancer), vlogger Sheeba Baiju, cancer survivor SJ Jacob (a two-time President’s Award winner for Best Teacher), theatre actor Jaya Noushad, and Dr. George M. Chandy, Director and CEO of Believers Church Medical College were among those who narrated their experiences. Singer Sony Mohan, accompanied by Gautham Vincent on the melodica, staged a performance on the occasion.
