Cancer Care Crew Event

On February 1, 2025, The Pre Med Diaries (TPMD) collaborated with the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) to host the Cancer Care Crew Event, aimed at fostering a supportive and engaging space for women battling cancer. The event was structured to include interactive activities, meaningful discussions, and the distribution of care packages to encourage emotional and mental well-being.

 

The event began with introductions, where Cancer Care Crew introduced themselves to the participants. To establish a sense of familiarity and ease among everyone present, we facilitated an icebreaker activity called Heads Up. The participants, including both Cancer Care Crew and the women battling cancer, sat in a circle and used a strawberry plush toy for the game. Whoever received the toy had to call out another participant’s name within a few seconds before passing it to them. If they were unable to recall a name, they were out of the game. The purpose of this activity was to help everyone quickly learn and remember each other’s names, making interactions more personal and comfortable. This game was particularly effective because it combined both memory recall and engagement, ensuring that participants actively paid attention to each other while also having fun. To ensure inclusivity and comfort, we communicated in Marathi, Hindi, and English, adapting to the participants’ preferences.

 

Following the icebreaker, we conducted an art-based reflective activity designed to help participants visually express their journey with cancer. Each participant was asked to draw themselves upside down, representing the period when they were first diagnosed. The upside-down figure was meant to symbolize feelings of uncertainty, fear, and instability during the initial stages of their battle. Alongside this drawing, they noted the year of their diagnosis and a few words describing their emotions at that time.

 

After this, they were asked to draw themselves upright, representing their current state. This part of the exercise aimed to highlight their personal growth, resilience, and strength over time. Some participants also included intermediate stages, illustrating how they had evolved throughout the years. This activity served as a structured way to reflect on their progress and reinforce a sense of accomplishment, reminding them of their ability to overcome challenges.

 

During this session, TPMD volunteers actively engaged in conversations with the participants, listening to their stories and encouraging open dialogue.

 

The event concluded with the distribution of care packages as a gesture of encouragement and support. Each package contained:

• Motivational Cards – To offer encouragement and remind them that they are not alone in their journey.

• Smiley Stress Balls – To serve as a stress-relief tool and a reminder to stay positive.

• Pink Roses – As a small yet meaningful symbol of appreciation and respect.

 

The purpose of these care packages was to provide participants with physical tokens of support, reinforcing the message that there are people who care about their well-being and are rooting for them in their journey.

 

Overall, the Cancer Care Crew Event successfully integrated engagement, reflection, and encouragement to create a meaningful experience for the participants. By combining interactive games, structured reflection, and small but impactful gestures of support, the event facilitated both emotional connection and a sense of community.