December 2024 Newsletter

For the anniversary of Maina Foundation’s 10-year collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine at K.J.Somaiya Medical College and Research Centre in Mumbai, some of the health workers involved in outreach camps sent us notes on their personal experiences and gratitude.

“Prior to my involvement as a health care worker in the breast cancer project of KJ Somaiya Hospital's Community Medicine Department, I was a housewife never having worked outside. My daughter told me about the project, and Dr. Padma played a crucial role in my professional development. I take immense pride in my contributions to this project, which has not only bolstered my confidence but has also had a tangible impact on the community.”

~ Sunita Chiliveri, Health care Worker

(Translated from Telugu)

“2024 is a wonderful landmark year for the 'Breast Cancer Project. Through the span of 10 years this project has made an indelible impression on both the rural and urban communities that KJSMC serves. The project has created the much-needed awareness about breast cancer in the community and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Those requiring mammography for screening breast cancer are being provided the service at a subsidized rate. thanks to our collaboration with Maina Foundation. The programme also heralds the breast cancer survivors who serve as an inspiration to all women.

My best wishes to the project to grow from strength to strength and I sincerely hope that our association with Maina Foundation will continue for many, many years!”

~Dr. Varsha Phadke,

Dean, K.J.Somaiya Medical College & Research Centre

“Initially, due to societal reticence in discussing breast cancer, our strategy began with screening for hypertension and diabetes among women and their families. This indirect approach gradually built trust within the community. Over the years, through concerted efforts by the department and project staff, we have conducted awareness campaigns and screening camps across urban and rural settings. The project team has consistently seized every opportunity to encourage women to participate in breast cancer screening.

I extend my profound gratitude to Mrs. Alka Shrikhande, President of the Maina Foundation, for her unwavering support of the programme.

Her faith in our efforts has been instrumental in the project's decade-long success.”

~Dr. Padmavathi Dyavarishetty

Head of Department (Community Medicine),

K.J. Somaiya Medical College and Research Centre

“We women, in our lives play different roles that of a mother, friend, confidante, sister, wife. We are the pillar of strength of our families, taking care of each and every member. While fulfilling all these roles and responsibilities, let us not forget to take care of ourselves first.

Let us all take a step towards Self Care. One of the components of self-care is undergoing periodic health check-ups and screening for early detection of breast cancer.

The team of Community Medicine at Somaiya Medical College in collaboration with Maina Foundation has been striving since the past decade to create awareness about breast cancer in the urban and rural community. There is a sense of pride and fulfillment in being associated with all the team members who put in a lot of hard work to achieve the goal of educating women about breast cancer and motivating them to undergo breast cancer screening.”

~ Dr. Deepali Kadam.

“It is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career to be part of the Breast cancer project for the underprivileged population, started a decade ago in collaboration with the Maina Foundation.

My best wishes to Maina foundation to continue the good work for several more years.”

~Dr. Varsha Pai

“Through this project, we were able to give knowledge to community, we were able to change their perspectives regarding the disease, we were able to motivate females to come for screening, and we were also able to diagnose few cases. On personal level, it gave me self-satisfaction and motivation by helping others; made me conscious about my own health. “

~ Dr. Prachi Sondankar

“An Ode to the 'Breast Cancer Project'

KJSMC and the Maina Foundation,
Has had since the past 10 years a harmonious collaboration!
In both the urban and the rural population
The 'Breast cancer Project' has left a mark with its powerful vision!!
Breast cancer can be held at bay,
With an early diagnosis.
In health education sessions the MSWs say-
"Monthly self breast examination-DO NOT MISS"!!!
The Department of Community Medicine,
Helmed by Dr Padma Shetty,
To support breast warriors she is keen,
And to create breast cancer awareness in society!!!
The 'Maina" bird is a sign of strength and support,
The younger maina 'Alka" is truly a friend,
So the women in both urban and rural communities can hold their fort,
And 'Overpower breast cancer - that's the message the project wants to send!!!”

~ Dr Ashima Bhaumik

Guest Posts for Maina Foundation newsletter

This year we had two guest posts by authors who have close ties to Maina Foundation.

• Maya V. Pandit, MD, a resident physician in Neurology at NewYork Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, is deeply passionate about women’s neurology. Her guest post for Maina Foundation was titled A Brief Overview of the Association between Cancer and Ischemic Stroke.

  Her conclusion was that further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which cancer increases stroke risk as well as potential blood markers of hypercoagulability that may predict stroke. Coupled with identification of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, this information could enable identification of highest risk patients for closer symptom monitoring and education on concerning symptoms to prompt early diagnosis and treatment.

  She advised readers to reach out to their doctors if they had any concerns about their or a loved one’s stroke risk.

• Anjali Chase, a breast cancer survivor herself, as well as the daughter and niece of breast cancer survivors, authored our November newsletter. Her post, titled ‘When I think back to my selfish teenage years,’ described, in poignant detail, her becoming aware of her family risk of breast cancer and also her own, thankfully positive, experience of surviving breast cancer.

Thank you, Maya and Anjali!

Corporate Collaborations:

• Ralph Lauren International, chose Maina Foundation, for the third year running, as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partner. As a recognition of our work, Ralph Lauren International will donate a percentage of the sales of their breast cancer merchandise in India to Maina Foundation.
• Big Y Community Bag Program: We're so excited that Maina Foundation will receive $1 for each $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold throughout October 2024.

• Hicool Electronic Industries, India: In collaboration with Maina Foundation and Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai, recently organized a #BreastCancerAwareness session to empower otheirur female workforce with knowledge and confidence. Guided by a passionate and interactive expert panel, the session provided valuable insights into early detection and preventive care.

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