India: Together, we can provide care for those that no one else will reach
Malsing had terminal cancer, which had left him in terrible pain. But accessing pain relief was practically impossible.
Malsing was a farmer, and had a son and a daughter who were still in school. His cancer had left him with a wound on his face that stopped him from being able to eat, and he was surviving just on milk. He lived in a remote village, and the journey to his nearest clinic would take many hours – a journey made impossible by his condition. He was facing a horrible, painful death.
But when the palliative care team from CCH found out about Malsing, they made the difficult journey to visit him. In fact, they made this journey regularly, bringing Malsing morphine to reduce his pain, and giving the family advice on caring for Malsing and dressing his wound. The compassion the team showed towards the family also meant a lot to them, as they had been isolated by their wider family and neighbours after Malsing became unwell.
When Malsing finally passed away, he was without pain, thanks to the CCH palliative care team. The team also provided bereavement support to the family for six months afterwards. “Malsing’s journey through immense pain and suffering has taught us the need of God’s love in this time,” says Dr Anna, pictured centre in the photo below.
The CCH palliative care team frequently walk up to 5km to reach patients like Malsing. They go to places with no road access, often crossing rivers that have no bridges – difficult journeys that no one else is willing to make.
Most of their patients would be left to die in terrible pain if the team did not come to them and help relieve their suffering. This work is almost completely funded by MAI supporters.
Will you give to help the CCH palliative care team continue caring for patients that no one else will reach?
The great news is that, as part of our annual Twice Gold appeal, every £1 you give in October will become £2, thanks to our generous appeal patrons.
- £32 could provide a month’s home care and support for a patient with cancer (doubled to two months)
- £384 could provide a year’s home care and support for a patient with cancer (doubled to two years)
