UGAM - Support Group of Childhood Cancer Survivors
Ugam is a voluntary support group which has been formed by Childhood Cancer Survivors from the After Completion of Therapy (ACT) clinic of Tata Memorial Hospital, inspired by the survivors from across the globe with whom they interacted during the International Society of Pediatric Oncology ( SIOP ) meeting in October 2007. Ugam was formally launched on 7th June 2009, first sunday of June celebrated as Cancer Survivors Day across the world..
UGAM means To Rise, underscoring the determination of childhood cancer survivors, to rise above all obstacles in life & be VICTORS. The dream of such a support group was seen by a childhood cancer survivor, Shobhit Kaushal, who was a budding & very talented painter-poet who unfortunately was overpowered by his disease. He held his first art exhibition in March 2009 while fighting a losing battle with cancer & succumbed a month later. Shobhit, through his courage and indomitable spirit, touched the lives of so many people during his own short life. He fought cancer on his terms, never giving up and was full of hope and a feisty spirit right till the end. He left behind legacy of his fighting spirit, and vision to start the support group that will help millions of childhood cancer survivors to build up their life from ground zero & live life like normal human beings UGAM is the youngest unit of the oldest& most prominent NGO , Indian Cancer Society ( ICS) under its survivorship programme. ICS has been involved in the crusade against cancer for more than 68 years and is recognized by the Indian Government as the premier Non Profit Organisation for cancer in the country.