Mithuruwela, Cancer Support Network Activity Update – June 2005

This is a brief Resume of our Activities since April 2005.

1. Publication of Brochures

1.1 National Language brochures on National Cancer Institute (NCI), Maharagama. Further to the completion of the Sinhala version of NCI Brochure (5,000 copies handed over to Director NCI ), the English version has been handed over for printing. (3000 copies). The Tamil version (2000 copies) has had some editing problems but, will be handed over for printing by early June 2005.

1.2 Breast Cancer Brochure by Mithuruwela – The draft version has been sent to Dr I. Amarasena, Oncologist, NCI for her comments. Once this is received, arrangements will be made to translate the brochure into Sinhala and Tamil. Mithuruwela is currently seeking sponsorship for this brochure.

1.3 Material on Breast Cancer - Professor AH Sheriffdeen, Patron, Mithuruwela has also forwarded information on Breast cancer for publication. Breast cancer has been identified as a priority area by the NCI.

1.4 Prostrate Cancer brochure - A new priority issue identified for developing a brochure is Prostrate Cancer. Materials are being collected to enable a draft brochure version to be done by a Mithuruwela Volunteer.

1.5 Chemotherapy brochure – This is currently under draft by a Mithuruwela Volunteer.


2. Training Workshop for Would-be Mithuruwela Befrienders

A Workshop conducted by Ms Nalini Ellawala, Director, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo was held on 30th April 2005 at "Mel Medura", Horton Place, Colombo.7. A total of 21 Volunteers attended the Workshop which focused on the qualities needed for Befriending. Workshop participants were also made aware that befriending cancer patients and their care-givers was a task that called for understanding and tact. The consensus of the Volunteers after the Workshop was that more such Workshops should be conducted to help Volunteers cope with giving such support

In response to the need for further training 2 more workshops will be held in June 2005; (1) a training on Counseling and Pain management techniques by the Kandy Cancer Society on 21 June 2005 in Kandy, and (2) a workshop by Nalini Ellawala (date to be announced later).


3 Local Fund-Raising Activities & Publicity Strategy for Mithuruwela

Two attractive and colorful stickers are now available at Rs 100/=. One , a rectangular car sticker with the words 'Do Not Lose Heart: Cancer Can Be Treated ', and a triangular general sticker with the words- 'Care, Support, Inform, Befriend'. Both have details of Mithuruwela and contact information.

The Publicity Team Leader called a meeting of all Publicity Team members during May 2005 to develop a Publicity Strategy for Mithruwela. This will aim at raising awareness of Mithuruwela, a call for volunteers and support and cancer issues in general. Activities planned include talk shows, use of radio etc. in all languages.

4. Public Lectures/Talks

A talk on "Metastatic Cancer: My Healing Journey" was given by George Mu at the Girl Guide Headquarters, Colombo on May 7th.

5. Facilities at 'Shanti Sevana' Maharagama

Mithuruwela records with gratitude the offer of facilities at 'Shanthi Sevana', a transit home for cancer patients and their care givers in Maharagama. The facilities include a spacious 2-roomed apartment with bathroom and pantry to be used as a Befriending/Information Centre was generously offered to us by Ms L. Schaffter who had built 'Shanthi Sevana ' for patients from distant areas of Sri Lanka. The facility is within walking distance from the hospital.

We are happy to note all our furniture needs were fulfilled by kind donations. We acknowledge the gift of furniture (including tables, chairs, and filing cabinet ) for the Centre, donated by the VSO Office, Colombo 8. Chairs were also gratefully received with thanks from ITDG Office, Colombo 5. Other individual well-wishers donated necessary items (water filter jug, cups, cleaning equipment and tools etc.) and money to support the Information Center and its activities.

Thanks to all the kind support and assistance received Mithuruwela aims to have the Center fully operational from July 2005 onwards.