Support therapy

IT WAS a small gathering of friends, who have come together out of a common bond. To offer support.

This closed circle of ``friends'', as they like to be called, are in fact battling various diseases, acute, chronic or even terminal.

Weekly once they socialise, share some lighter moments and forget their daily difficulties.

The members even arrange for transportation of patients to and from the hospitals and also provide financial assistance.

That is the support they look forward to, says Ms. Gundu, who is co-ordinating the initiative.

Anjaan (``the unknown''), an offshoot of Jawaharlal Nehru Society for National Integration, focusses exclusively on this concept.

The members organise weekly get-togethers with such patients in one of the patients' houses.

It is fun, song, dance, and a trip back to the ``good old days''. ``That helps them a lot psychologically,'' adds a member.

Thursday was one such occasion at Kavitha's house in Mahalingapuram.

The initiative has now become demanding both in terms of manpower and money, says Ms. Gundu.

Hence, a fund-raising event featuring school and college students is being planned with corporate sponsorship. Volunteers can call 4839077.

By Saptarshi Bhattacharya

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