MITHURUWELA

The Cancer Support Network

WHAT IS MITHURUWELA?

When patients face cancer, they know life has changed. They may want to find out more about the type of cancer, the medical terms used or how exactly it would affect their lives. They may need to find out what treatment options are available, what the after-effects are and how to cope with the treatment. They need information which is accurate and reassuring; information to cope with the changes that are now upon them.

Mithuruwela the Cancer Support Network has been established to help such patients – especially patients who need such information in Sinhala or Tamil.

Mithuruwela is a non-profit organisation established by a group of cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and well-wishers, supported by a team of doctors and health-care personnel to provide information and guidance to cancer patients.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF MITHURUWELA?

• To establish and sustain a network of volunteers committed to the aims of the organisation.

• To provide awareness and a better understanding of cancer, its causes, prevention, treatment regimes and other such aspects through the dissemination of information in print	and other media.

• To mobilize funds for the creation and publication of appropriate information in all three national languages.

• To facilitate activities that would help cancer patients and caregivers, in particular the disadvantaged and marginalized.

THE ACTIVITIES OF MITHURUWELA

Mithuruwela's programme of activities will be carried out in the following manner:

Phase I - Reaching out through Information

• Collection of relevant literature and information from international and local sources.

• Establishment of an Advisory Circle to guide, monitor and review production of literature.

• Identification and development of literature appropriate for Sri Lanka.

• Translation of literature and information into national languages.

• Publication and distribution of literature and information.

• Development of a Website dedicated to Mithuruwela's aims.

• Mobilisation of volunteers and funds from individual and corporate sponsors in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Phase II - Creation of a Circle of Befrienders

• Selection and enrollment of volunteers with the capacity for and commitment to befriending those affected by cancer.

• Providing appropriate training for volunteers.

• Deployment of volunteers on a voluntary basis in select areas of Sri Lanka.

• Monitoring and evaluation of befriender efforts.

• Establishment of a Befriender Circle.

Phase III – Establishment of a Hotline for Cancer

• Training of volunteers with bilingual/trilingual skills.

• Establishment of a Hotline facility to provide information and support island-wide.

WHO SUPPORTS MITHURUWELA?

Mithuruwela hopes to bring together people whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Support for Mithuruwela's activities come from

• Cancer survivors, their family members and caregivers.

• Medical and health-care personnel interested in providing information and support to cancer patients.

• Volunteers (individuals, groups and corporate bodies) who would like to help those affected by cancer.

CAN I JOIN MITHURUWELA?

Yes – Anyone can join Mithuruwela and support its cause. It's easy – Write to:

Mithuruwela

c/o 70/1, Peterson Lane, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka.

Or

Email: mithuruwela@gmail.com

Please indicate the area/areas you would be interested in supporting. Currently there is a need for Volunteers for Fundraising; Translation; Publishing Information; Finance & Book-keeping; Secretarial/Administrative Assistance

http://www.mithuruwela.org

SOME STATISTICS ON CANCER IN SRI LANKA

• Cancer is the 3rd largest killer in Sri Lanka.

• 97% of those affected by cancer (and their caregivers) want MORE information on cancer.

• The cancers that cause the largest proportion of deaths include Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Oral Cancer.

• Lack of awareness about these cancers is a significant factor for the high incidence of such cancers.

• The highest number of deaths by cancer occurs in the age-group 45-64.

MITHURUWELA – THE CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK

This brochure was made possible by volunteer contributions
