To commemorate Cancer Survivors Day, we bring you an inspiring story of Neerja Malik, a feisty woman who refused to succumb to cancer and won the battle twice in her life. Her cancer journey is a celebration of life and victory. It gives a glimmer of hope to millions of cancer fighters around the world. It is about not calling it quits, no matter how tough the battle is.
When I dialled Neerja Malik’s number to interview her, little did I expect to hear voice exuding laughter, warmth and confidence on the other end of the line. If I hadn’t known her background, there was no way to tell in the first meeting that this 64-year-old boisterous woman is two-times cancer conqueror and has recently recovered from a life-threatening condition called septicaemia.
It was in February 1998 that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her left breast for the first time. Speaking to Momspresso, she recollected her feelings when the doctors gave her the bad news, “I went into an auto-pilot mode. I was in denial mode until the magnitude of the problem hit me like a tornado. I had a good cry in the car on my way home with my husband.”
The mother in her gave her the courage to face cancer. She said, “I shed tears for three days in a row not for the fear of death, but because I was worried what would happen to my kids if I did. I promised myself to live for them.” She went through the long ordeal of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, including the dreaded phase of hair loss. Instead of mourning it, she let her hair clumps float in the air chanting ‘he loves me, loves me not’. It was her way of letting go of the control of cancer over her. Even after the surgery, she had only 25% chance of survival and doctors recommended her to seek further treatment in the US or France, but she refused for the sake of kids and recovered completely with local treatment.
Cancer reared its ugly head again in November 2004, this time in her right breast. But, Neerja defeated it again with her sheer willpower and positive attitude. Since last 20 years, Neerja has been running Apollo Cancer Support Group through which she counsels cancer patients and their families. She has even released a book titled ‘I Inspire’. “I have influenced millions of lives. I want people to take inspiration from my life, fight cancer and influence another million of people with their survival stories,” she revealed the purpose behind authoring this book.
Life has thrown curveballs on Neerja’s way umpteen times, but she fought harder and emerged victorious every time. Prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer, she had multiple miscarriages, a stillborn baby in the womb when she was eight months pregnant, uterus removal and hormone replacement therapy. In between these years, after a long wait to motherhood, she was also blessed with twins, a son and a daughter, who were born prematurely at seven months.
As Neerja signed off, she insisted that we include her pearls of advice for every person combating cancer:
- Cancer is only a word, nothing less and nothing more.
- When you are diagnosed with cancer, don’t think it is the all and end of existence. It is simply a short detour from your destination.
- Laughter is the best medicine.
- Cherish ten treasures of life - Love, Fun & Laughter, God, Faith, Miracle, Death, Acceptance, Attitude of Gratitude, Abundance and Living in the Now.
Neerja believes that God has chosen her to be the special one to serve people and she will continue to abide by Almighty’s wish. We salute her positivity towards life! Her cheerful vibes and energy are totally infectious!
- Smita Agrawal for Momspresso
