KATHMANDU, JUNE 6
The Nepal Childhood Cancer Alliance (NCCA) marked International Cancer Survivor Day by launching Nepal's first-ever educational scholarship program dedicated to childhood cancer survivors. At a ceremony held at the Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust's office in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, scholarships totaling NPR 600,000 were awarded to 14 young survivors.
The initiative, a joint effort with the Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust (RGMT), Together Against Childhood Cancer (TACC), the Leonardo Edward Shrestha Foundation, and World Child Cancer (WCC), aims to support survivors' continued education and long-term reintegration.
The event gathered survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and partners in a show of solidarity and support. Survivors shared inspiring stories of courage and hope during an engaging interactive session, according to the press release issued by the NCCA.
During the event, Dr. Bishow Nath Adhikari, Pediatric Oncologist at Kanti Children's Hospital, stressed the importance of ongoing care, noting, "Consistent follow-up is non-negotiable for a cancer-free future."
Similarly, TACC President Bishop Joshi underscored the role of education in breaking stigma, while Rama Parajuli, Nursing In-Charge at Kanti, emphasized the emotional strength of parents during treatment journeys.
Representatives from partner organizations echoed a shared commitment to survivor welfare. "Our shared goal is to offer holistic support to families navigating both cancer treatment and survivorship," said RGMT's Program Head Bhabnath Jha.
Parents of scholarship recipients also shared their appreciation. Harimaya Tamang, mother of survivor Sadhikshya Tamang, said,"When my daughter was diagnosed, I was overwhelmed and unsure how to manage financially. NCCA's support made all the difference, and now with this scholarship, I am deeply thankful."
"Survivor Day is not just a celebration; it's a reminder that no child should fight cancer alone,"said Rojina Manandhar, spokesperson for the Leonardo Edward Shrestha Foundation. "It's a reminder that no child should fight cancer alone."
Following its official launch in February 2025, NCCA continues to lead efforts to improve survivorship outcomes for children with cancer in Nepal, the release further stated. The alliance called on strong collaboration among government bodies, healthcare institutions to transform the pediatric cancer landscape in Nepal. The Alliance also called on all stakeholders to join hands in building a future where every child affected by cancer receives the help they need.
