Background

Millions of children are diagnosed with cancer every year, ahead of which, if their families possess the means for treatment, lie not only the arduous physical effects of treatment, but also its emotional weight. Whether fear, anxiety, confusion, loneliness, anger, or a mix of all, there is no understating the profound impact of the disease. It is a turning point in the lives of both the patient and their caregivers. I am no stranger to watching loved ones undergo such suffering and feeling powerless to alter its course.

I stood by my mother through every stage of their battles with cancer, from the first, life-altering diagnosis, and along every course of treatment. Chemotherapy is an incomparable hardship for the human body and mind. I watched my family members brave the effects of an already difficult process – lose their hair and appetite, grow weak, experience constant nausea, pain, fatigue, little reprieve owing to insomnia, and balance hope with despair. During the pandemic, while my mother was undergoing treatment for cancer, I found myself deliberating what I could do to help her. I spent countless hours absorbed in fervent research, asking just about anyone what I could do, whatever was within my power, and to the best of my ability, to help her. I was determined to do something.

When my mother’s treatment had concluded, and she was beginning to show signs of recovery, I had made a personal pledge – I would do everything I possibly could to help others who were on a journey navigating cancer, especially those from underserved communities and without a positive support system. It is from this determination that The Hope Tote (THT) was formed. This started as an idea to create (and what we went on to officially name) ‘Hope Totes’. These are easy-to-carry totes, filled with diverse useful supplies, including chemo-caps, night masks, mints, and an optimistic, engaging activity book – to occupy the mind, and perhaps make the process of treatment slightly more bearable. 

In designing this particular intervention to support young cancer patients, I was influenced by personal observations of my mother’s journey, including long hours of medical consultations, tests, treatments, countless referrals, recommendations, and meeting a swathe of specialists – from oncologists to mental health professionals – as well as other cancer survivors.  

My mother’s own testimony and inputs were invaluable to developing THT, examining what could be done to improve the experience of cancer treatment. Knowing how tedious she had found the chemotherapy sessions, and how much she wished to distract her mind from it, I felt distinctly empowered curating the Tales of Hope Activity Book. Its contents include simple, enjoyable activities designed to boost morale and inspire positivity among patients undergoing chemotherapy. In partnership with the Delhi-based NGO Chirag Foundation, THT distributed more than 50 Hope Totes, made of recycled materials, among pediatric patients and their families at the Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. 

When children are faced with a cancer diagnosis at such a young and vulnerable age, it is especially important to support their mental well-being and encourage social connection and self-expression. They deserve a space to feel seen and heard. Every child does. Unfortunately, access to relevant essential resources is especially limited for underserved and low-income communities in countries such as India. The Hope Tote (THT) is an initiative founded on the conviction that nurturing emotional well-being, through creative and research-informed initiatives, is integral to supporting young cancer patients and fostering strength – ensuring that they feel heard, seen, and safe.