Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
Childhood cancer is a heart-wrenching reality that affects families worldwide, including in the bustling city of Kolkata. In the face of such adversity, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as beacons of hope, extending support, care, and resources to children battling cancer and their families. These NGOs play a pivotal role in alleviating the burden of pediatric cancer by offering a range of services, from financial aid to emotional support and awareness campaigns.
Let’s delve into the compassionate work of these child-focused cancer care NGOs in Kolkata.
Child-Focused Cancer Support Organizations in Kolkata
- St. Jude India ChildCare Centres (Kolkata): Offers free, hygienic home-away-from-home accommodation, nutrition, and transport to hospitals.
- Premashraya (Bengal Oncology Foundation): A dedicated, state-of-the-art residential center offering highly subsidized lodging and holistic care.
- Cuddles Foundation (Kolkata Unit): Focuses on pediatric oncology nutritional counseling, customized diet charts, and supplements.
- Nivedita Foundation: Offers direct financial assistance and access to clinical diagnostic subsidies for low-income pediatric patients.
1. Indian Cancer Society
Description
Who can apply
Aid provided
How to apply
Contact
Social media
Description
The Kolkata chapter of the Indian Cancer Society primarily relies on the Cancer Care Fund administered by the ICS Headquarters to offer sporadic assistance to paediatric cancer patients in covering treatment expenses.
The chapter also offers guidance and support to cancer patients who approach them for help, even if there isn’t a structured program for paediatric patients in place. They may provide information and assistance based on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
Who can apply
Underprivileged patients or patients with annual family income not surpassing Rs 4 lakh.
For assistance under Cancer Care Fund:
- Patients receiving treatment at an ICS empanelled hospital.
- Paediatric patients with projected survival rate of 70%
Aid provided
For assistance under Cancer Care Fund:
Paediatric cancer patients seeking support from the Kolkata chapter of the Indian Cancer Society may find help through the Cancer Care Fund, although it is important to note that support is provided on a case-by-case basis and may not be consistently available.
- Sanction amounts range from a minimum of Rs 50,000 to a maximum of Rs 5 lakhs.
- The support encompasses chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, supportive care, and prosthesis.
For others:
The Kolkata ICS Chapter actively collaborates with local causes and organisations in the city to organise fundraising events. These initiatives may contribute to the funds available for assisting cancer patients.
How to apply
Under Cancer Care Fund:
Applications are submitted through the hospitals, on the recommendation of treating doctors, and undergo a meticulous review by a medical professional associated with ICS before approval.
For others:
Paediatric cancer patients seeking support from the Kolkata chapter of the Indian Cancer
Society can reach out to them for guidance and potential financial aid. They can also provide information about available resources and treatment options.
Contact
Address:
6G, Elgin Road,
Kolkata 700020
Contact: + 913322832426, + 919831023177
Helpline: 1800-22-1951
Email: arunabhaseng@yahoo.in
Website: https://www.indiancancersociety.org/
Social media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ics_1951
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiancancersociety.official/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiancancersociety/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy2MoMOaCuN0gZXrCqvZjJQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indian-cancer-society/?originalSubdomain=in
2. Cankids...Kidscan
Description
Who can apply
Aid provided
How to apply
Contact
Social media
Description
CanKids in partnership with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, is the designated knowledge and technical partner for Childhood Cancer in the region. They offer emotional, financial, and medical assistance to children undergoing cancer treatment.
This collaboration signifies a significant step towards improving the landscape of childhood cancer care in West Bengal, ultimately ensuring that children battling cancer receive the best possible support and treatment.
Who can apply
Underprivileged children suffering from cancer and their families.
Aid provided
In this partnership, CanKids actively engage with the state government and all relevant stakeholders to achieve the following objectives:
- The Access2Care Model is a 4-tier childhood cancer network with clear referral pathways from basic to advanced healthcare. It includes shared care at primary, district, and advanced cancer centres. This network covers all aspects of childhood cancer, from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and end-of-life care.
- CanKids aims to ensure that patients’ families have access to essential facilities and services. This includes helping them navigate government welfare schemes, financing options, and insurance coverage. Additionally, the organization will actively seek donor support to facilitate treatment.
How to apply
Children are referred to CanKids by social workers deployed in the paediatric oncology departments at major hospitals, where they are receiving treatment.
Contact
Address:
Regional Care Coordination Centre – East & Snehoneer HAH Kolkata
460/1- 4th Road, Ajoy Nagar
Opposite Good Mission Education Church
PS. Purba, Jadavpur
Kolkata 700075
Contact: +918860316404
Email: info@cankidsindia.org
Website: https://www.cankidsindia.org/cankids-west-bengal-mou.html
Social media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cankidz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanKidsIndia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cankidskidscan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cankidskidscan/
3. Nabatara Foundation - Save The Soul
Description
Who can apply
Aid provided
How to apply
Contact
Social media
Description
The Nabatara Foundation is a compassionate organisation committed to creating visible and lasting improvements in the well-being of marginalised women, children, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs. They also provide critical support to paediatric cancer patients and their families. With a team of caring volunteers and experienced experts, they guide individuals through the challenging phases of cancer treatment.
Who can apply
Underprivileged cancer patients facing the financial burden of treatment, and their families.
Aid provided
- The organisation offers financial assistance to a varying degree, depending on the urgency and specific case.
- Additionally, they provide educational aid, hygiene support, and rations to ensure there are no obstacles to nutrition and education.
- Nabatara primarily focuses on patients associated with NGO, but also extends support to individuals who approach them, evaluating each case individually.
- Knowledgeable volunteers engage with those in need, providing guidance throughout the various stages of cancer treatment.
- Experts in the field help individuals identify and address their specific issues.
- Collaborations with leading cancer clinics and hospitals ensure patients receive top-notch treatment.
How to apply
You can approach Nabatara for assistance by applying either through their website, by contacting them via phone, or by visiting the NGO headquarters in person.
Contact
Address:
375, P.K Guha Road, Kolkata, India, West Bengal 700028
Contact: +919874068171, +918335905520
Email: gaurav.tribedi@yahoo.in
Website: https://nabatara.org/
Social media
4. St. Jude India ChildCare Centres
Description
Who can apply
Aid provided
How to apply
Contact
Social media
Description
The St Jude’s India Childcare Centres offers a home away from home for underprivileged families during their child’s treatment for cancer. It provides free, clean, and safe accommodation and holistic care to children undergoing cancer treatment and their families who travel to Kolkata for treatment. They ensure that families can focus on their child’s treatment without the burden of accommodation expenses.
Kolkata has a total of three St Jude centres spread across two areas, providing care for 62 children.
Who can apply
Underprivileged children suffering from cancer, irrespective of economic background.
Aid provided
- Free safe and hygienic housing for children and their families travelling for treatment from remote areas, where they can stay for up to a few months or years depending on treatment duration.
- Transport to and from the hospital, where they are receiving treatment
- Cooking facilities and nutritious rations
- Value based education
- Recreational facilities
- Counselling for children and parents
- Art-based therapy, music therapy and yoga for the patients.
Skills training for income generation.
How to apply
Children and their families are referred to St Jude’s by social workers at the treating hospital. The organisation caters to the child and the family’s needs provided that they have a unit available.
Contact
The Jacobs Ladder Centre
St. Jude India ChildCare Centres,
212, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Thakurpukur,
93, Shantasri Pally, PS Haridevpur, Kolkata 700063.
Contact: +919830154456
Email : contact@stjudechild.org
Website: https://www.stjudechild.org/
Social media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StJudeChildCare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StJudechildcare
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StJudesIndia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stjudesindia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/st–jude-india
5. Premashraya
Description
Who can apply
Aid provided
How to apply
Contact
Social media
Description
Premashraya is a residential facility, designed to serve as a comforting haven for cancer patients and their families who require long-term treatment at Kolkata’s Tata Medical Center. The facility can accommodate up to 200 patients and their relatives, totaling around 300 individuals.
Who can apply
Out-of-town cancer patients and their relatives seeking treatment at Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, are eligible to apply for accommodation at Premashraya.
Aid provided
Premashraya offers a supportive environment for cancer patients and their families by providing subsidised accommodations with various amenities. These include food services, communal spaces for bonding, themed floors inspired by nature, and facilities for both children and adults, such as libraries, play areas, and prayer rooms. Palliative care services are also available.
How to apply
Patients and their families can apply for accommodation at Premashraya through Tata Medical Center, where they can seek information and assistance regarding the application process.
Contact
Address:
Premashraya, 1st floor,
DC-193/1, New Town Rajarhat
Kolkata 700156
Contact: +919674901441, +919230029804
Email : info@tmckolkata.com
Website:https://tmckolkata.com/in/vision-tmc/premashraya/
Social media
In the fight against pediatric cancer, the tireless efforts of NGOs in Kolkata stand as a testament to the power of compassion and solidarity. Through their unwavering commitment to providing holistic care, financial assistance, and emotional support, these organizations are instrumental in easing the journey of young cancer patients and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Kolkata NGOs provide free accommodation for outstation pediatric cancer families?
Organizations such as St. Jude India ChildCare Centres and Premashraya provide supportive accommodation services for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. These facilities are designed to offer a safe, hygienic, and family-friendly environment close to treatment centers.
How does the Cuddles Foundation support pediatric oncology in Kolkata?
Cuddles Foundation supports children undergoing cancer treatment through nutritional interventions, including access to clinical nutritionists, personalized diet plans, nutritional supplements, and counseling aimed at improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Can low-income families get financial aid for childhood cancer treatment in West Bengal?
Yes. Eligible families may receive support through government healthcare schemes such as Swasthya Sathi, as well as through hospital social welfare departments, charitable trusts, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations that assist with pediatric cancer treatment costs.
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