When Ms Ashatai Kendre was diagnosed with cancer, she found herself facing not only the challenges of treatment but also a deep sense of uncertainty and isolation. Referred to the Nag Foundation by Dr Smita from Sahyadri Hospital, she discovered a support system that would become a lifeline during one of the most difficult periods of her life. With little support at home, Ms Kendre found comfort in the care and encouragement provided by the Foundation’s team, including Ms Rebecca Dsouza and Ms Veena Gaikwad.
At a time when she felt lost, emotionally overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn, the Nag Foundation stepped in with guidance and practical assistance. The team helped her navigate her treatment journey, offering clarity on what to do and where to go. She also received help accessing medicines, ensuring that she could continue her care without added stress. More importantly, she felt supported by people who genuinely cared about her well-being and were committed to helping her through every stage of her journey.
Through the Foundation’s support group meetings, Ms Kendre realized that she was not alone. Meeting others who had faced similar challenges gave her strength, comfort, and a renewed sense of belonging. The experience transformed her outlook on life, helping her develop a more positive perspective on herself and her future. Today, she remains deeply grateful for the support she received and credits the Nag Foundation with helping her find hope, confidence, and the courage to move forward.
When Mrs Nirupama Damoshan and her family first learned about her cancer diagnosis, they were overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. Along with the emotional burden came financial difficulties, leaving the family unsure of where to turn for help. It was through Sr Sheetal and Mr Harish, the receptionist at Sahyadri Hospital, that they were introduced to the Nag Foundation. Knowing that there was an organisation dedicated to supporting cancer patients immediately brought the family a sense of relief and reassurance.
The support they received from the Nag Foundation went beyond financial assistance. Mrs Nirupama’s daughter, Nikita, shared that the Foundation treated them with kindness, compassion, and dignity during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. “They were very supportive and never treated us indifferently,” she said. At a time when the family had almost lost hope, the care and encouragement they received helped them feel less alone in their journey.
Deeply grateful for the assistance they received, the family now hopes to one day give back and help others facing similar struggles. Nikita shared that if she achieves financial stability in the future, she would be happy to donate to the Nag Foundation so that more families can receive the same support they once did. Their story is a reminder of how compassion and community support can bring hope to families when they need it most.
When Elaine was first diagnosed with Cancer, it felt like the end of the world for her. The fear, uncertainty, and lack of clarity made the journey overwhelming. Things began to change when she became one of the first members of the ‘Breast Friends’. Being surrounded by patients and survivors who truly understood her experience gave her a sense of comfort and belonging. For the first time, she could share her fears openly, without having to explain herself.
Her association with the Nag Foundation came after her treatment, when she was looking for guidance on how to move forward, the do’s and don’ts of post-cancer treatment, on how to stay safe. Despite not being in active treatment, she found immense support, both practical and emotional. The Foundation created a safe space where she could ask questions freely, speak openly, and feel heard. “The biggest comfort was knowing that there were people who understood me, sometimes even more than family”, she shared.
This support transformed her outlook. Today, Elaine chooses to see herself as cancer-free, carrying forward a renewed sense of hope. She believes that support systems like ‘Breast Friends’ and the Nag Foundation are essential. “Getting support is already 50% of the battle won”. Now, with a sense of peace and resilience, she lives her best life.
For Minakshi Yelwande, life once revolved around the simple rhythms of family and farming. Living with her husband and their two sons, the family depended entirely on her husband’s income as a farmer. Their livelihood rose and fell with the seasons, and with crop growth and harvest quality determining their earnings, financial stability was never a guarantee.
In October 2025, that fragile balance was shaken when Minakshi Yelwande, then 45, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Along with the fear and uncertainty that followed the diagnosis came an overwhelming concern about how the family would manage their cost of treatment.
Minakshi Yelwande first heard about the Nag Foundation through another patient who told her about the support the organisation provides to individuals undergoing cancer treatment. When her diagnosis was confirmed as Stage 1 Breast Cancer she was advised to consult doctor Shona Nag at the Sahyadri hospital.
Through the support of the Nag Foundation, Minakshi Yelwande was able to access the medical care she required. The Foundation’s financial assistance eased the burden of treatment expenses, allowing her and her family to focus on healing rather than worry. Just as important was the compassion she experienced from the daycare nurses and the Foundation’s team. Their kindness, patience, and reassurance made her feel supported at every step of her cancer journey. The sickness that once overshadowed her entire life, slowly became a path she could walk with courage. The encouragement she received helped replace fear with hope and gave her the strength to face treatment with a more positive outlook–an outlook that she would be cured.
Today, Minakshi Yelwande is doing well and remains deeply grateful to Dr Nag and the Nag Foundation for standing beside her and her family during one of the most difficult periods of her life. With renewed strength and hope she now feels as though she has been given a second chance–an opportunity to begin again and restart her life after a long and challenging journey.
