Launch of Helpline and website of PMMF

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAUNCH OF HELPLINE & WEBSITE PMMF    July 14^th 2015 at Hotel Mandovi

Guest of Honour Dr Armida Fernandez, Founder Trustee SNEHA & Medical Director, Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai launched the helpline 7798801011 and the website at www.pmmf.in

In her address to the gathering  of special invitees, board of directors, wellwishers & media Dr Armida stressed on the felt need for counseling and awareness in childhood cancer as the incidence was on the rise and chances of survival high with the advancement of chemotherapy and other modalities of therapy provided treatment was initiated early .

At the outset, Mr Cesar Menezes, Chairman, Wallace Pharmaceuticals warmly welcomed the dignitaries, media and guests and thanked one and all for their support to the Foundation.

Dr Divya Menezes, Pediatrician and Medical Advisor, PMMF shared experiences of the families deep involvement with the foundation from 1981 till date.

Dr Philomena D’Souza, Consultant Director of the PMMF , traced the history of the Foundation from its inception till date , a journey of 34years. She introduced four of the Foundation patients who had graced the function with their presence: Olina (now married, came with her husband and daughter); Jayant (a young man who is a sales manager with a two wheeler company, accompanied by his mother); Siddhi ( now a bubbly college student, accompanied by her father and youngest sibling) & Ashutosh (who has recently completed his first year’s therapy, accompanied by his sister). Olina, Jayant & Siddhi have been off therapy for many years.

The Dean, Goa Medical College, Dr Pradip Naik emphasized that the Government of Goa was now providing all cancer medications free of cost to patients through Goa Medical College but due to a shortage  counselors, the awareness and counseling of patients was minimal. He felt that the PMMF should fill in this gap with its information and counseling services, and continue its collaborative work with the department of Pediatrics of Goa medical College.

The short  interactive session with the audience covered queries on the known causes of cancer and the role of alternate therapies in the treatment of cancer.

 Ms Rashmi Menezes, Trustee, Prateek Menezes Memorial Foundation and Jt Managing Director Wallace Pharmaceuticals proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks to each and every one involved with the organization of the programme launch .