Give/Donate/Contribute to CanSupport

Focus: Caring for people with cancer.

Founded in 1996, by Harmala Gupta, a cancer survivor, CanSupport came into existence in response to the plight of those who have cancer but have no access to reliable information or emotional support. An information bank and a telephone helpline formed its first support services. A year later it started a home care programme to keep those with advanced cancer and their families informed on decisions and to receive appropriate physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support.

CanSupport, subsequently, pioneered the development of a multi-disciplinary home care team, comprising doctors, nurses and counsellors. Patients are referred to CanSupport from the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS, the Dharamshila Cancer Institute, and other hospitals that treat cancer. It also receives referrals through friends and relatives. The free home care programme offers practical support in the way of medicines, equipment, and nutritional supplements to those who need them. Bereavement counselling is available to those left behind.

Since August 2003, CanSupport has started a day care programme at its centre to provide companionship, relaxation, and stimulation to people with cancer and their families. On Mondays children under treatment visit with their parents, while on Fridays home-care patients are brought in. The company of trained volunteers, good food, and complementary therapies, such as reflexology and aromatherapy, ensure that those who come spend an enjoyable and relaxed time. There is also a monthly 'drop-in' meeting on the first Wednesday of the month where people with cancer can come by and meet others in an empathetic group setting.

CanSupport now plans an improved and cost effective home-care service in Delhi through the provision of satellite centres around the city.

Annual programme budget: Rs. 21 Lakh.

Cansupport is a registered society (S/30499) and all donations are exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.