Battling a life threatening illness like cancer is not easy for anyone. It takes tons of resilience, courage and faith to go through it and come out disease free. A few women have turned their cancer journeys into inspirational stories, with not just their healing process but their personal development too. Deccan Chronicle brings to you four real-life heroines from across the city, who not only beat cancer, but did it in style embracing every opportunity that came along.
Neerja Malik's bubbly personality and chirpy self will never let you believe that her life has been an uphill climb, leave alone be a two time cancer survivor. After a series of miscarriages in her marriage, she conceived twins with great difficulty.
So when she was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast in 1998, the first thought that came to her was the future of her children who were just 7 years old then.
"One day I felt a little bump on my left breast which grew bigger over the next few days", reminisces Neerja. Her doctor made her undergo the necessary tests. " I did not react initially. When my husband uttered the word cancer, I could not take it. It hit me hard and I broke down."
She lied to her kids through the treatment saying she had to go out of town. But the ordeal was not over with this. "In 2004, it hit my right breast too".
After her treatment in Mumbai, she came back to Chennai and started the Apollo cancer survivor group. The author of the book 'I Inspire' and now a TedX speaker, Neerja is sunshine personified. "There are 10 treasures that I have found through my journey of life which define me- love, fund and laughter, God, faith, miracles, death, acceptance, gratitude, abundance and living in the here and now".
Her infectious smile and friendly demeanor will make you warm up to her instantly. The heart of every party and face of every cancer themed marathon, today Neerja is seen at city's every important event.
"I would like to be known as a cancer conqueror and not a warrior or a survivor," laughs Neerja. "I turned the illness into an opportunity and that opened up so many avenues for me. My fear of cancer to winning it- that phase metamorphosed me into an inspirational speaker. Now I give counseling to not only the patients but their parents and caregivers too, as it is a joint effort to win a battle and for that they need to be in a happy place- physically, mentally and most importantly emotionally".
Vimmi Deepak, Socialite, Motivational speaker
Vimmi Deepak was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. This gorgeous beauty with loads of positivity, decided to take it in her stride. Today, after winning life's battle, Vimmi attributes it all to a good support system.
"It's your confidence and will power coupled with supportive people around you which makes the battle half-won."
Recalling her cancer days, she says, "The treatment period is the most challenging phase to go through physically, mentally and emotionally. I have encouraged many patients and made them feel positive saying that 'If I can do it, so can you'. Nothing gives you more joy than motivating someone at life". She now gives public lectures at colleges and runs workshops on confidence building.
Vimmi believes the best way to keep happy is to remain fit. "During my chemotherapy, there was severe body pain, every muscle used to hurt. I could not even touch my feet but I never gave up on yoga."
It has been 9 years since tragedy struck and today, this socialite grandmom finds her happiness in badminton, swimming and gymming. Always dressed impeccably in the most fashionable couture, this fashionista is found at most social events with her never say die attitude.
Champa, former Vice-Principal
All hell broke loose when Champa had to face the bitter truth in 2000. "I was in my early 40s then. My family was completely devastated. But I had a few friends who helped me face it head-on and Neerja is one of them. Had she not been there, I would have given in to the battle", recalls Champa.
"I had to take a break from work and I dedicated one year to the hospital, doctors and the treatment. Having a good team of doctors makes all the difference", she feels.
Today, Champa finds meaning in reaching out to people who are going through the same journey. She takes part in Cancer based events and conclaves, touching lives with her vivacious personality and positive attitude.
"Many people go through this deadly disease but only a few survive it. It gives an insight on understanding and appreciating life. When you encounter the negative, you learn not to take life for granted. Only a person who goes through the path of thorns knows what it is to tread on them." Sulakshana Badani, Manager, Image Consultant
Sulakshana Badani, was taken aback when she found out something was wrong with her in 2015. "I was beginning to put on a lot of weight very fast, I would feel very tired. Just before Diwali, I discovered a small bump on my right breast.'
But a wrong diagnosis hindered her treatment. Two years passed before she came to know that it was breast cancer. "We had an Italy trip scheduled within three days but life had other plans".
"The chemo phase was the most difficult one. I started losing my hair but then one day I just shaved my head as I did not want my son, who was in 9th standard then, to see me gradually become bald. He had a friend who lost his mother to cancer", she adds.
A management graduate with experience in advertising and brand consulting, fashion has always been a passion for Sulakshana and after she finished her formal training in image consulting she soon transformed into a sought after professional with a distinctive understanding of style.
"My cancer phase taught me how to prioritise things in life. Happiness is a choice. You lose a lot of things to cancer but you also learn a lot from that journey", smiles the boss lady, now at a managerial position.
