Fifty-three-year-old Velusamy recently celebrated his second birthday within a year. It was full of fun and laughter on October 9 – the day he was completely cured of cancer.

Sharing his story of a successful battle against the dreaded disease, Velusamy says he has every reason to celebrate the second birthday – the day he got a new lease of life.

Forty other survivors, who were at the interactive session in the Gem Hospital, the Institute of Gastroentereoloy and Laparoscopy, endorsed his view.

The hospital, along with Rotary International, honoured the survivors for fighting the disease with courage and commitment.

They shared their stories – their emotional journey and trauma, life after treatment now with several others including many who are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Hospital chairman Dr. C. Palanivelu said cancer was a world not likeable by many, mainly because of the apprehensions attached to the disease. “It is also probably related to the poor outcomes usually linked with it,” he said.

“A well read person should be aware that many types cancers are completely curable especially when diagnosed at an early stage,” he added.