One cup at a time

A friendly approach to the strong word called cancer," is how Rohini Bhowmick describes an event she will be hosting at her Thane residence along with her husband, photojournalist Chirodeep Chaudhuri this Sunday. It's called Chai for Cancer (CFC), an awareness-cum-fundraising initiative that was started by Viji Venkatesh of The Max Foundation in 2013 to support patients who are coping with one of the two rare cancers that require life-long treatment — gastrointestinal stromal tumour or chronic myeloid leukaemia. It's no ordinary meet-up, yet it is like any other; a gathering of people over tea, where cancer takes over as the theme of the conversation.

A former brand manager for international and domestic luxury brands, Bhowmick runs a catering venture called Spices and Friends. "It started as an ode to my father, [Subir Bhowmick] an iconic hotelier, who passed away last year. He didn't have cancer, but his loss was and has been life-changing (like it is for everyone when they lose a parent). Through this venture, I have tried to serve and build a community," she shares. Bhowmick was introduced to CFC two years ago, and it slowly grew on her. "Every year I've made sizeable donations to charitable institutions, some years a little less and some years more. Last year, I served food to street children, but realised later it was just a one-time thing for them. So, I wanted to be part of a more structured institution. I chose Chai for Cancer, primarily because it symbolises coming together as a community. The platform allows the drive to be more than just a donation. Most importantly, it allows the patient to feel loved and not pitied — to know that there is a support system to be with him/her through this difficult place in their lives."