FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

A FORCE TO

RECKON WITH

Jude Sannith Sujendran meets two cancer support groups in the city who have been doing their bit for this cause

     For more than two years now, Beena Madhavan and her sisters have dedicated themselves to serving one of the noblest causes that society is faced with today the fight against cancer. Beena and her sisters - Bindu Dijendranath , Biju Jayavevan and Brinda Das - have formed a team that has been aptly christened B-force, dedicated to bring about cancer awareness and aid in the psychological and monetary support of cancer patients.The sisters have create quite a name for themselves with their admirable efforts. "B-force was established in September 2007 with the sole aim of catering to the medical concerns of policemen and their families," explains Beena Madhavan, while emphasising the role that her cancer support group plays in society, today. "My father, the late.

      K Mohandas, the former DGP of CID, Tamil Nadu  was a true policeman in every sense of the word and this group was established by us sisters, in his loving memory, for the people he served with - the Police. When my mother died of cancer in 2001, we knew that this was the cause we would take up, " she says.

The most admirable trait that B-force possesses in addition to the number of cancer awareness programmes, conducted and the regular check-ups organised by the trust is the fact that a great deal of financial assistance is also provided by B-force to patients who are unable to afford expensive treatment. "W e have five trustees with us as part of B-force who have stood by us and are of immense support in our ventures, " says Beena, "There was this case where a policeman needed Rs. 13,000 every month to pay for medicines following a heart transplant while his monthly income was a mere Rs. 9,000. B-force has been supporting him by taking care of his expenses incurred for medicines. "On a final note, Beena Madhavan expresses hope that cancer will find a cure someday. "It's important to be aware, " she says, "Regular check-ups and the right kind of treatment in case of a suspected case of cancer can nip the illness in the bud."