The autobiographical work 'Brandhan Cellukalude Kanakku Pushthakam' (an account of cancer days) by cancer survivor Suhas Parakkandy, an Indian expatriate from the southern state of Kerala, has been released in Qatar.
Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs (Norka) director C V Rappai handed over a copy of the book to Sanskriti Qatar president Ahmmed Kutty at a function at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).
National Cancer Care Center and Research's (NCCCR) radiation oncologist Dr Sajukumar Divakar, ICC president P N Baburajan, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Vinod Nair, Sanskriti general secretary Jaleel A Kavil, Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre president S A M Basheer, Qatar Indian Authors' Forum Secretary Hussain Kadannamanna, UNIQ president Mini Siby, HMC senior oncology nurse Suneethi Sunil, Dr Amanulla Vadakkangara and Radio Malayalam 98.6 marketing manager Noufal Abdhul Rahman were among those present.
Dr Divakar and nurse Suneethi were felicitated with mementos and a golden shawl in honour of their services to cancer patients. The book was introduced by Biju P Mangalam. Dr Divakar shared his memories about the first meeting with Suhas as a patient, followed by the positive changes.
Clinical nurse specialist Blessy delivered a heartwarming speech recollecting the tough times Suhas underwent while he had to use the ileostomy bag. She said Suhas was the only patient, she had seen in her service, to show a sustained self-assurance throughout the months he lived with an ileostomy bag.
Suhas recalled the brilliance of the NCCCR team and the therapeutic and nursing brilliance at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) that lent him a helping hand to get through the tough times during his cancer days, though the disease had spread from the rectal part to the liver.
He underwent four major surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and nine months with the ileostomy bag. The cancer survivor attributed his recovery to the extensive care by the doctors and nurses of HMC.
Sanskriti secretary Saltus Samuel proposed a vote of thanks.
The book, earlier released in Kerala by noted writer K R Meera, has a preface by TV personality G S Pradeep and prologues by litterateurs Prof C P Aboobacker and Ashokan Charivil.