History and Significance
World Rose Day is annually
celebrated on September 22 in dedication to the welfare of cancer patients. On
this day people around the world work towards bringing cheer and hope into the
lives of all those people who have been affected by cancer. More importantly,
it seeks to remind patients and their caregivers, that they are not alone in
this battle against the deadly disease.
Cancer treatments are quite
tasking on the body and mind of those who have been affected. With the changes
their bodies encounter and the sheer mental trauma of being ravaged by this
disease can wreak havoc with most people. But by making even the simplest
gestures of kindness, each and every one of us can bring some comfort to their
lives. Even though that alone is not enough to cure them, it can certainly ease
their suffering.
World Rose Day for the Welfare of
Cancer Patients was first observed in honour of 12-year-old Melinda Rose from
Canada, who was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer known as Askin’s
Tumour. Even while the doctors had only given her weeks to live, she went on to
live for 6 months and spent her time bringing joy and hope to all the diagnosed
people around her. She reached out to all the cancer patients, sharing poems,
letters and emails with them, to bring some cheer into their lives. Her
kindness and optimism serve as a reminder to us all, that even in the bleak of
all situations, hope is what keeps us going.
By offering roses to cancer patients and their caregivers, people extend their concern and offer tenderness in the face of this harsh disease. Unfortunately, the medical and science fields are yet to come up with an absolute cure for cancer, despite their constant dedication to this cause, we can all contribute in our own way by being mindful of their suffering and ensuring that we care for them and contribute to their strength so that they may continue fighting.