Neelkanth S. Shiva is now a household name in some circles. The 77-year-old retired nuclear scientist of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center is educating people on cancer through his writings. He has also counseled hundreds of families during their difficult times. He has drawn about 20 publications, including three editions of the book, No one fights alone. The latest edition, literally launched on Thursday, is a collection of writings by doctors, patients, caregivers, and family members who slipped away when they saw their loved ones.
During the lockdown of COVID-19, Mr. Siva, aided by social media, arranges for the supply and distribution of diuretic bags for patients in the Thanjavur region. Mr. Shiva is survived by bladder cancer, whose bladder had to be removed. During the battle with cancer, his surgeon sent new patients to him and his wife Rajalakshmi “for a chat”. The couple has consulted over 200 families so far. “We’ve consulted to get them through their war with cancer,” he says. They have formed a group of survivors of bladder cancer and the families of three victims. “We readily relate to the problems of families of people with bladder cancer, and believe that we speak with a great deal of credibility on bladder cancer. Therefore, we restrict our activities to our area of competence.
Royalty from book sales is used for “quarterly review tests including scans, chest X-rays and blood work for certain bladder cancer warriors”. Requests for help with people with cancer of other organs are sent to a known NGO.
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