Mitta Newsletter 2009

MITTA FOR LIFE CANCER CENTRE ................Dr Jeyashree Srinivasan
Mitta For Life Cancer Centre started on 22 May 2005 with the aim to provide free counselling service to cancer patients and their families in coping with the illness.
It has been four busy years since that eventful day. We have seen a significant increase in the number of patients walking through our doors, seeking the various services we provide. There has been much joy in seeing the vast improvements in the quality of their lives as they fight the disease bravely. There has also been sorrow when we lose our beloved friends to cancer. Nevertheless, we carry on with our services with renewed strength, faith, hope, courage and a very large dose of loving-kindness and compassion.
We will be expecting more patients to walk in as the word about Mitta spreads. At this point, I would like to say to every cancer patient, we welcome you with open hearts. We want you to know that there are no strangers at the Centre…. only FRIENDS for life!
We have also seen an increase in the number of volunteers, a testament to the fact that even in this current materialistic world we live in, there are people who still believe strongly in a culture of sharing, caring and loving without expecting anything tangible in return.
With support from volunteers, well-wishers and friends, our services and activities have also taken on a more positive note. Last year, we were able to participate in a number of outreach programmes such as conducting Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns during Vesak as well as at the Greenlane Convent Primary School Fundraising event. We also visited an orang asli camp where we shared with them the provisions we brought from Penang. Many of our friends and volunteers also embarked on a holy pilgrimage to India last year, together with our Patron, Venerable E. Indaratana Thero. We took part in numerous fundraising activities such as food fairs, where our volunteers once again showed their mettle in preparing food and craftwork for sale. One of the highlights of last year was the Mitta Family Day, where the Mitta family had a great time sampling all the delicious food laid out at the table, singing and receiving gifts. Our ongoing activities, such as the Reiki sessions, the weekly Taiji classes and the monthly Health Talks were enthusiastically welcomed too.
At this juncture, the working committee and I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our Patron, Venerable E. Indaratana Thero, for the support, encouragement and motivation to us. I would like to thank the Temple Management Committee for all their help and support too. A word of thanks to all our donors, well-wishers and contributors for their generosity and kindness. And finally, to all our volunteers, Mitta cannot succeed without you. You are the personification of Mitta For Life indeed. Thank you.