Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) India hosts its first Care Conference to raise awareness about cancer stigma in our society

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) India held its first Care Conference in Mumbai. The conference aimed to dispel cancer myths and de-stigmatize cancer in our society. Located in the Outpatient Department of the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, RMHC India operates the Family Room and provides comfort and care to families of kids suffering from cancer when they need it the most.

Present at this Care Conference were notable speakers like Shalini Jatia, Officer in Charge, ImPaCCT Foundation, Tata Memorial Hospital and Director & Board Member, RMHC India; Mrunal Marathe, Sr. Counselor at St Jude Childcare Centre; a Senior Pediatric Oncologist along with parents of children battling cancer and those who have recovered attended the conference, as did Oncologists, nurses, hospital staff, and other NGOs working with cancer-stricken kids.

The RMHC India care conference aimed to shed light on the prevalent cancer biases, inspire change, and foster an understanding and supportive community environment. The following observations emerged from the discussions:

• The most common misconception is that cancer is contagious
• Majority in India fear revealing their diagnosis of cancer owing to the fear of stigma and discrimination, even to close family and friends
• One-fourth of families abandon their child's treatment for various reasons, one of which is stigma
• According to oncologists present at the conference, cancer if detected and treated on time can get cured. Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process is critical
• Parents need to constantly communicate with kids suffering from cancer to boost their morale and aid in healing
• Open communication with school authorities and teachers can support the kid to cope and feel included

Smita Jatia, Chairwoman, RMHC India said, “We at RMHC believe that families need physical, educational, and psychological support to be present and involved in their child’s care. At our first care conference in India, we brought together families of cancer patients who have used our family room facility with doctors and community experts to discuss the issues they face while battling their kids’ cancer. It has clearly emerged that the stigma is a result of widespread misinformation about the disease. While organizations like us are making concerted efforts to dispel this myth, we hope these insights will boost the morale of families and break the taboos associated with it.”

At RMHC, family-centered care aims to encompass all aspects of care that are centered on supporting and involving families to improve quality, psychological well-being, and the overall patient and family experience. RMHC India has touched over 35,000 lives since its inception and has completed over six years in the country. Most of the children and their families that frequent the RMHC Family Room, come from remote, rural locations in India owing to the lack of healthcare facilities in their hometowns.

About RMHC India

For over 47 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities has ensured families everywhere have access to the care and resources they need – especially when they have a sick child. We believe when families are together, they cope better and that no family should have to deal with their child’s medical crisis alone.  RMHC's aim is to provide care centres, care rooms, and care houses for all families in need, as we understand the value of a welcoming space amidst challenging times. Spanning across 60 countries and regions worldwide, RMHC's extensive network of chapters is making a profound impact on families' lives on a global scale.

Founded in 2016, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation India (RMHC India) is dedicated to providing care services for families in need, both within and outside of hospitals and medical centres, completely free of charge.

In partnership with Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for children, Mumbai, RMHC India operates the Ronald McDonald Family Room (RMFR) in India. Located in the ward of the Outpatient Department of the Paediatric Haematology-Oncology department, RMFR is a comfortable and welcoming space within a hospital where families can take a break from the stressful hospital atmosphere. The room offers an improved medical environment, emotional support for parents, clean and hygienic play activities for kids, and the opportunity for relaxation for all families whose child is undergoing medical treatment at the hospital.

The mission of RMHC is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Our vision is to have a world where all children have access to medical care and their families are supported and actively involved in their children’s care.