INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
PANAJI: In the 3rd week of January, Shanti Avedna Sadan - Goas leading hospice for terminal and advanced cancer patients at Loutolim - was
all decked up for a celebration
There were balloons, karaoke, music, chips and cake.The state of mind was sombre, however the spirits were high
The idea for a grand farewell party originated from one of the inmates, 28-year-old Ashley Noronha
In the final stages of persistent myeloid leukaemia, Ashley had one last desire: He wished to celebrate life
He told us he couldnt bear to see any unfortunate faces and desired everybody to celebrate his life, stated Lourdes Soares, creator of
Sabrcare Trust, an organisation that was helping Ashley with his cancer treatment, adding: Most people quit in the end, so this was a
Time was brief, so when Ashley put forth his need, the group at Shanti Avedna Sadan right away got breaking to host a party that began with
clearance from his doctor
Ashley, who had a nasal cannula for supplemental oxygen, wanted to look his best and asked to be shaved and groomed
He even desired a touch of makeup, said a social worker from Cankids, Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, who assisted organise the party.Once done, he
was wheeled out for his very last celebration
In the face of death, Ashley set the state of mind that evening, talking his heart out, employing humour and wit to make his family and
friends comfortable, and ensuring everybody remained in high spirits
He also requested for the music to be altered - he desired popular song, joking that sad songs would eliminate him prior to cancer did
He knew he didnt have much time left, so he kept pressing himself to remain awake
He was frightened to close his eyes
He even requested his preferred drink - rum and coke (his medical professional refused the rum), Soares said.As the party went on, Ashley
didnt wish to let anybody go, but the guests were eventually asked to leave so that he might get some rest
With memories of his party still fresh, Ashley went to sleep that night, and never ever woke up again
The goodbye celebration was something new for us
He was really delighted and died quietly
The cancer had actually spread out, and he was uneasy, but he didnt grumble
He breathed his last at 3.25 am the next morning
We dressed him up in great clothes his household brought for him, and he appeared like an angel, one of the siblings at Shanti Avedna
informed TOI.Prabhu Gaonkar said it was an unbelievable experience for those present
We deal with many cancer clients and lose a few of them
Its sad to see people go, but the method Ashley went really left us with hope
He gave us a various definition of hope as he took things so well
A local of Cunchelim, Ashley was a receptionist at an Anjuna hotel, and, beleaguered with health and monetary problems, he worked even as he
was being treated for cancer by Goa Medical Colleges oncology team.
