History
PMMF LAUNCH July 14th 2015
I will briefly trace the history of the foundation from its inception in 1981 till date, a journey encompassing 34years.
The PMMF is an irrevocable trust which was created to perpetuate the memory of late Prateek Alvaro Menezes who died on November 20th 1981 at the age of six years, after having battled with cancer (himself). Part of the trust fund came from the sale of greeting cards with Prateek’s drawings.
It was in 1984 that Dr Suzette Menezes, the then Proffessor and head of Pathology dept of GMC, who was instrumental in establishing the link between the Foundation and the childrens department of GMC. Till date this collaboration of 31 years has provided comprehensive care to hundreds of needy children with cancer, irrespective of cast, creed or place of origin.
The PMMF has procured state of the art chemotherapy drugs and other medications in addition to financing specialised investigations, nutritional supplements, toiletries, transport and travel allowance for the child and his parents.For those children who succumbed to the disease, the PMMF has assisted their families with preparation for the last rites.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES of the PMMF have been carried out frequently. Every year in December there is a party/ get together lunch for the children, their family members, the doctors and residents from the dept of Pediatrics, GMC and the office staff with games and planned entertainment followed by distribution gifts for the child and the family. It has always been a date to look forward to and memories to be cherished.
The Foundation has been blessed right from the beginning by the moral support and encouragement given by Dr S H Advani , Chief of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital and his entire team of consultants and staff. It continues now with Dr Banavali and his young team.
In collaboration with the Pediatrics dept of GMC, the PMMF established a 5 bedded oncology wing in the Paediatrics ward incorporating nursing aids & appliances required for an aseptic environment, and infrastructure beneficial for optimal care of the cancer patients. Additional facilities for recreational activities of the children were also made available.
An outstanding feature of the PMMF involvement with cancer care is that it maintains and nurtures its commitment to each and every needy child with cancer from the beginning until completion of therapy and goes beyond, even when the child is well and free of the disease. Many of them have completed their education, some have graduated from college, others have married and have children of their own. THE PMMF KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH THEM. We are privileged to have four of them with us today , gracing this occasion with their presence and blessings: Jayant, Siddhi,Olina & Ashutosh
Time and tide waits for no man. And thus we continue to get wholehearted support from Drs Mimi & Vaishali and their Pediatric team of doctors and nurses from Goa medical College ably supported by the Dean, Dr Pradeep Naik and Dr Wiseman Pinto, Dr Francis Couto in Pathology and Dr Savio and his staff in the department of Microbiology.(Forgive me if I have forgotten anyone)
What are our plans for the future?
The PMMF with its 34 years experience is now in a position to widen its scope for action based on its mission to educate, support and advocate families of children with cancer and the professionals who care for them.
We aim:-
1) to include ALL children with cancer and their families
2) to extend our help to anyone with cancer and their families in need of information, advice, counselling and assistance
3) to organise training programmes for care givers of cancer patients, CMEs for professionals and workshops
4) to network and collaborate with other NGOs, institutions involved with cancer care and awareness, and with the community
IN ORDER THAT THE PMMF MAY CONTINUE TO GIVE HOPE & LIFE TO CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES BY ALWAYS CARING, BY ALWAYS BEING HERE………..for you