Did you know that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally? This deadly disease was responsible for nearly ten million deaths in 2018. Cancer affects every nation and people of all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds.
If even one life is saved…we will have successfully done our job.
These heart wrenching facts moved the Leos of District 3231 A2 to action, and, in August 2018, they formed “Youth Against Cancer,” an international twinning initiative to bring about awareness of the grave impact that cancer has on people worldwide and how to prevent it.
Describing it as a way to honor to the founder of Lions International—Melvin Jones, this initiative was launched on his birthday, January 13, 2019. Leos and Lions from more than 248 clubs from 24 countries around the world participated in the event.
The Mission at Hand
The team, led by then District President Leo Anchit Agarwal and the Leos of District 3231 A2 – Leo Neil Katariya, Leo Dharini Doshi and Leo Pooja Manek – had a clear mission to reach out to as many people as possible to make them aware of how to prevent cancer by lifestyle changes and timely detection as well as by other means. They also reached out to patients affected by cancer to make them aware of some of the potential cures for the disease. “If even one life is saved, if one child lives longer than he or she would have because of this initiative, we will have successfully done our job,” said Past Leo District President Anchit Agarwal.
Their focus was on four kinds of cancers—pediatric, lung, breast and cervical. To begin with, detailed dockets were prepared in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and were distributed to Lions and Leos worldwide. It highlighted information such as causes, symptoms, cures and possible activities that clubs can engage in.
Leo Service Goes Global
To spread the word to as many clubs as possible, a social media campaign was initiated. It was launched by Past International President Lion Gudrun Yngvadottir on 12 December 2018 in Mumbai, which gave the event a great liftoff. Past International President Lion Ashok Mehta and International Director Lion Nawal Malu were also there to support the event.
The response was overwhelming as more than 248 clubs around the world joined hands on 13 January 2019 in the spirit of Lions’ service to perform an unconditional act of kindness for others. This included countries from Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America. The passion and energy of these Lions and Leos was absolutely astounding and exciting—from their enthusiasm to be part of the journey, to planning and execution and using the Youth Against Cancer banners and awareness material provided by Leo District 3231 A2.
The idea was to gather Leos across the globe and create a greater impact to make the world a better place said Leos Neil, Dharini and Pooja. The countries that participated in the Youth Against Cancer initiative included India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Germany, Pakistan, Peru, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, Turkey, USA, Tunisia, Portugal, Lithuania, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nigeria, Bolivia, Ghana, Malaysia and Spain.
Service Stories from Around the World
The projects conducted worldwide were amazing, with many really touching peoples’ hearts. Leo Club Le Cap Blanc in Tunisia partnered with a salon to get haircuts and then donated their hair to make wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment. They called their project Plant Hope with a Lock of Hair, and invited the public to do the same.
There were street plays happening in one part of the world and fundraising marathons for cancer awareness in another. There were also clubs that arranged Karaoke nights in cancer homes, seminars, awareness campaigns, mammography camps and much more.
A Success Story
The Indian media covered the activities that were part of Youth Against Cancer, and all participating clubs were presented with a special certificate by Leo District 3231 A2.
Youth Against Cancer was a huge success. Thousands of people learned more about cancer. This is no longer just an initiative but a global movement against a disease that all of us can bring under control if we just join hands and work together to create awareness of it and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Being a Leo means you aren’t just part of your own local Leo club, but the global Lions family. If you want to be part of something bigger, consider joining a Leo club today!
Devanshi Jangla is the membership development coordinator for the Lions International India, South Asia and Middle East office.
