Philanthropist donates Rs 73 lakh for cancer patients on his 64th birthday

Mangaluru: Every year, G Shankar celebrates his birthday in a unique way, by donating money for the treatment of poor cancer and kidney patients , so that they too will be able to lead a healthy and happy life.

On October 4, Rs 73 lakh was donated to 289 cancer and kidney patients at KMC Hospital, Attavar, during a cheque distribution programme held at the Shushrutha Hall.

Shankar said that from the past four years he has been helping cancer and kidney patients as per his capacity. “We are distributing nearly Rs 2 crore at the KMC Attavar, Fr Muller Hospital and Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru, and the same will be done at KMC Manipal, Adarsh Hospital and the Government Hospital in Udupi,’’ he said.

Shankar noted that though cancer is a deadly disease, nowadays there is treatment for the disease and through PET scan, doctors can find out which part of the body is affected by cancer.

“Through this scan, doctors can treat the particular area and cure the patient. I know the treatment is expensive, but this is a small contribution from my side. Every year on my birthday I do my part to financially support poor patients. Those born on this Earth will have to die one day, but we should support those who suffer from cancer, and help them to fight the disease and recover,’’ he added.

Pointing out that death was not in one’s hands, he said there are various reasons due to which people die, but diseases like cancer kills a person by causing a lot of suffering, and also affects the family members of the afflicted, he noted, adding family members should help and encourage the patients in their fight against the disease. “KMC hospital and G Shankar Trust are always with you. Don’t lose hope,’’ he assured.

G Shankar Family Trust was founded by Shankar in 2002. From the date of the establishment of the trust till today, crores of rupees have been given away to help the needy.

In the beginning, the activities of the trust were limited only to Udupi district, and now it has been extended to Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Davanagere and Vijayapura distrcits.

Shankar was felicitated on the occasion by KMC Hospital. Demand drafts amounting to Rs 73 lakh were distributed among the 278 cancer and kidney disease patients by Shankar.

Dr Harsha Prasada, paediatric hematologist oncologist, Dr John Ramapuram, medical superintendent of KMC Hospital, Attavar, Dr Anand Venugopal, regional chief of Clinical Services KMC Hospital Ambedkar Circle and Dr Deepak Madi, deputy medical superintendent, KMC Attavar, were also present on the occasion.