Rose Day

September 22

In 1994, 12-year-old Melinda Rose of Canada died of Leukemia after a 6-month struggle with the disease, and her story became a rallying point for children with cancer the world over.

A symbol of hope

When Melinda was diagnosed with Askin’s Tumor in February 1994, doctors gave her only a few weeks to live. Yet, she survived for six more months, reaching out to other cancer-affected children. Even while undergoing invasive treatment, she leant them her strength through letters, poems, and emails.  

A day of love and sharing

Every year on Rose Day, Udhavum Ullangal seeks to carry on Melinda’s legacy by bringing hope and cheer to the children of the Cancer Institute, Adyar.

We involve students of schools such as Padma Seshadri and Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, encouraging them to collect roses, dates, biscuits and toiletries and distribute them amongst the Institute’s children.  We also encourage them to find creative means of decorating the ward.

The visit is important for the students, since it is a chance for them to show compassion and love, as well as to see the suffering and hardship that life sometimes holds.

Making the children feel special

We do our best to make the children feel special.

One year we organized a trip to Raj Bhavan where the children were greeted by the Governor. After tea and snacks, they were taken for a ride in the forest by Raj Bhavan’s security staff.

We also regularly bring film stars to entertain the children. For example, we once arranged a visit by actor Kamal Hassan.