Rose Is A Symbol Of Love And Care

Vinod C Dixit

(dixitpatrakar@yahoo.in)

Rose, a symbol of concern and tenderness, is offered to cancer patients to provide them with strength as they face the disease and its consequences. 22nd September is observed as Rose Day. Rose Day is dedicated to those battling cancer all over the world. Rose is a symbol of love, care and concern. It is a day for supporting all those people around the world who are fighting cancer. Fighting cancer - the second deadliest disease in the world - is emotionally, physically and financially exhausting. It is a special day for remembering and sharing a cancer patient's trauma. Rose day is observed in the memory of 12-year-old Melinda Rose from Canada, who was diagnosed with Askin's Tumour, a rare form of Blood Cancer. Her parents were warned that she would not survive even a couple of weeks. Doctors predicted that she will not survive more than a couple of weeks, but she lived six months more. Within that period, she successfully cheered up other cancer patients and their caregivers with her letters, poems, and emails. Melinda Rose's small life touched the lives of many. She, till her last breath, did not give up hope of survival. She positively made each day in her remaining life meaningful. She networked with other children who were also cancer patients and their caregivers. Offering flowers such as roses to cancer patients as a way to pray for them and to greet them has always been a long-time tradition and when Melinda Rose passed away the roses were also offered to her by her followers as a tribute to her.

As we all know, cancer is one of those deadly diseases which has a huge impact on a patient's body and mind. The taxing nature of the treatment makes things very difficult for many patients and their caregivers. India has over 25 lakhs registered cancer patients and the number is growing with 8 lakh new cancer cases added every year. Studies say that the leading cause of cancer is the use of tobacco. Poor diet, obesity, lack of physical activity and alcohol are other causes of cancer. Cancer induces many negative changes like weight loss, lack of appetite, and change in appearance to a frightening level.

Cancer can affect many things in life, but it cannot cripple the love you have in your heart. Sharing Facts on cancer, how to do early detection and diagnosis, and a list of organizations that can help financially will go a long way in the overall fight against cancer. Unfortunately, the medical and science fields are yet to come up with a proper cure for cancer, despite their constant efforts for a cause they are yet to discover its cure, so until then we can all contribute in our own way. When we celebrate Rose day to let all cancer patients aware that they can face the disease with strong willpower and spirit, let us mark this day to bring cheer to all cancer patients by gifting hand – made roses with a message to show them their love, support, care and concern for cancer patients. Let us instil hope, confidence, and joy in the minds of people who fight cancer.