CFC Launch Adda, 14 May 2023
Once again as is tradition, the first Chai for Cancer Adda of the New Season, Season 10 this year, was hosted by Viji Venkatesh and her husband Venky at their home in Thane.
Sunday, May 14, 2023, saw a huge gathering of family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers from all walks of life coming together to #drinktoacause with them and the Friends of Max City Chapter Leaders as well as The Max Foundation team in Mumbai.
The hosts were all set and excited with the special edition tees, hand painted mugs, posters and banners, ready to welcome and entertain their guests from the early hours of the day till late at night, when the last of the guests left. Throughout the day and well into the evening there was a constant stream of supporters all warmly welcomed to the Chai for Cancer Adda by the well-loved duo…
Amidst lots of laughter, fun, food and cheer the focus remained on raising awareness and supporting patients living with rare cancers. The charismatic Ranjit Shahani ( ex CEO of Novartis ) and Viji enthralled the room full of guests including patients, caregivers, physicians, oncologists, friends and family as they went down memory lane, reminiscing about the time when Glivec the magical tablet was introduced by Novartis, and the effort involved in getting the drug subsidized for mass consumption, and many more such struggles to achieve the impactful milestones. Patients also shared their insights on complying with regular checkups, following cancer treatment and how the funds from CFC have helped them lead normal and fulfilling lives.
The patients were super excited that Viji had made her debut in a recently released Malayalam film. To add to the excitement the star cast of #PachuvumAthbuthaVillakum also joined in the celebration with the patients and the gathering.
We will not be exaggerating when we say that hundreds of cups of chai were brewed by Viji and raised all day by all those present. The dining table at the Venkatesh’ home was weighed down with delicious food. Post lunch everyone settled down for the mandatory musical session a highlight of Viji – Venky’s Addas.
“Akkha Mumbai Piyega Chai for a Cause” – This call for action, given to us by Rishi of Red FM Mumbai was then literally put into action after the afternoon cups of chai were downed with cake and cookies and then it was time for some mandatory chaifies to be taken too.
REDFM 93.5 our dedicated Radio Partner since the early days, was present to carry the voice of Chai for Cancer to millions of its listeners.
