At Marion Villa Convent ISC School, we believe that change begins with awareness, empathy, and action. As part of our commitment to social responsibility and health education, our students collaborated with KIMS Health Cancer Centre to organize the FACT Campaign (Fight Against Cancer Together) 2024. This campaign was designed to spread cancer awareness, emphasize prevention, and advocate for early detection.
Through a series of well-planned and executed activities, our students took part in various impactful activities aimed at creating a positive influence in the school and the community. Here is an overview of our activities that showcase the power of unity, creativity, and determination in the fight against cancer.
To kick off the campaign, a seminar on cancer awareness was held for students from grades V to XII. Dr. Arun S.V., from KIMS Healthcare Group, spoke passionately about the causes of cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection. The interactive session helped students understand how a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce cancer risks. Students left the seminar equipped with valuable knowledge to share with their families and friends, fostering a ripple effect of awareness.
Key highlights included:
Education turned into action through a skit performed by our students. The storyline was about a young girl who always felt tired, dizzy, and had joint pains, but her parents kept neglecting those signs until she fell very sick and had to undergo many surgeries and chemotherapy by an expert team at a well-known hospital. The skit brought to life stories of individuals who ignored early warning signs and the consequences that followed, alongside inspiring stories of those who acted early.
Through the drama, they demonstrated the value of regular health checkups and screenings. The audience saw themselves in those characters, realizing that they too could take control of their health by acting early. Through compelling storytelling and dynamic performances, the skit illustrated how recognizing the early signs of cancer could save lives. The message was clear: awareness and timely action are critical in combating this disease. The audience, including parents and staff, was deeply moved by the students' powerful message.
In today’s digital age, social media has become the most powerful platform for spreading messages that matter. Recognizing this, our students leveraged platforms like MVC’s YouTube and Facebook pages to amplify the message of cancer awareness. Spearheaded by Alan Mish and Nikhil Suresh, this initiative took awareness beyond the boundaries of our school, touching hearts and minds globally.
Alan Mish, with his personal YouTube channel as a Life Vlogger with 2.72K subscribers, became a catalyst for this campaign. His videos were not just ordinary uploads; they were filled with emotion, authenticity, and purpose, speaking directly to people about the realities of cancer and the importance of taking proactive steps. These videos included:
Through these efforts, the reach was extraordinary:
Nikhil Suresh’s cancer awareness video, "Rise Above: A Journey of Courage and Awareness," is a heartfelt and inspiring musical narrative that shines a light on the realities of cancer and the power of resilience. Through a beautifully crafted presentation, Nikhil combines facts, emotional stories, and calls to action that resonate deeply with viewers of all ages.
The video emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention, offering practical insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, presenting hope that cancer can be tackled when approached with the right tools and knowledge.
The video’s creative use of visuals and narration makes it highly engaging and memorable. Nikhil’s personal connection to the topic, as well as his ability to convey compassion and urgency, inspires viewers to not only reflect on their health but also to become advocates for cancer awareness in their own communities.
Ultimately, "Rise Above" stands as a beacon of hope, urging people to take action—whether it’s by adopting preventive measures, encouraging loved ones to get screened, or supporting those battling the disease. Nikhil’s work proves that awareness, combined with compassion and education, has the power to change lives and build a future where cancer’s impact is significantly reduced.
The core message of these videos was clear:
Cancer awareness begins with education. Prevention begins with action. Hope begins with stories of resilience.
By utilizing the power of the internet, our school’s message transcended borders, proving that no matter how small the effort, when combined with passion and purpose, it can truly make a difference.
Stepping out of their comfort zones and taking the campaign to the heart of the community, our students visited nearby residential areas to spread awareness about cancer prevention. They educated community members on the benefits of regular health checkups, quitting tobacco, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This hands-on approach fostered meaningful interactions and encouraged locals to prioritize their health.
They emphasized:
This hands-on approach helped build trust and fostered meaningful interactions with residents.
This wasn’t just about giving information—it was about building trust, having conversations, and empowering families to take charge of their health. It reminded us all that awareness doesn’t just happen in classrooms or hospitals—it happens when we talk to each other.
One of the most vibrant events of the campaign was the student rally. The streets of Kumarapuram came alive with a rally of determined students of our school, holding vibrant posters and placards created during the campaign, students marched through the streets of Kumarapuram, chanting slogans that emphasized cancer prevention and early detection.
The rally turned out to be motivating for our students as well as to the community who watched the students calling out to them to lead a healthy life. They chanted slogans like:
This rally wasn’t just a march; it was a declaration—a message to our community that cancer is preventable, and awareness is key.
To encourage reflective thinking, an essay competition was organized on the theme of cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. Students penned thoughtful essays that showcased their understanding of the subject, combining facts, personal insights, and creative ideas. This activity not only honed their writing skills but also deepened their connection to the campaign’s cause.
Our students learned, imbibed, and finally expressed their heart to the awareness of cancer. Through writing, our students explored the depths of cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. Their essays showcased not only their knowledge but their empathy and creativity. It was a testament to how deeply this campaign resonated with them.
A quiz competition was organized just after the morning assembly, adding a fun and educational element to the campaign. There was a warmup round of 10 questions where everyone could participate, and then we moved to the preliminary and final rounds. Students enthusiastically participated, answering questions about cancer facts, prevention methods, and early detection techniques. This interactive event not only tested their knowledge but also reinforced key messages from the campaign. It turned learning into fun, challenging students on their knowledge of cancer. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about instilling facts that could save lives. By the end, every participant walked away more informed and empowered.
Art speaks louder than words. Art and creativity were at the forefront as students participated in a poster and placard-making competition. Using vibrant colors and thought-provoking slogans, their creativity turned complex ideas into visuals that could be understood by everyone, spreading awareness in the simplest yet most impactful way. These creatives were later displayed during the rally and in the school premises. These creative expressions became powerful tools for spreading awareness.
Sometimes, the best way to understand is to listen. Our students visited cancer care centres like Karunya Charitable Trust, De Paul Care Centre, and the F.I.H Convent at Kumarapuram to meet patients and hear their stories. The truth is we were allowed to meet only very few patients as it was unethical to disturb patients resting after radiation and moreover it was unhealthy for them. But our fellow mates witnessed the struggles, resilience, and hope of those people fighting cancer. These visits taught them the true meaning of compassion and solidarity.
Empathy and compassion are at the heart of the FACT Campaign. The visit helped students understand the challenges faced by cancer patients and the importance of providing emotional and material support to those in need. It was a transformative experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
After the Cancer Care Centre visit, two overwhelming initiatives came forth from the students. As a gesture of love and kindness, every student brought an extra lunch packet from home which was shared with the cancer patients at local centers. It was a small act, but it touched the hearts of those who brought it as well as those who received it. The act brought tears of joy, comfort, and smiles to those who needed it most. This small act of generosity made a significant impact, bringing smiles to the faces of patients and reinforcing the importance of community support.
The second initiative that students came up with after the cancer care centre visit was during the festive season of Christmas to bring cheer and hope. The whole school came together to collect household items for cancer care centres. From detergents to nightwear, these gifts carried not just utility but the warmth of a caring community.
As part of the transformative FACT Campaign 2024 (Fight Against Cancer Together), the students of Marion Villa Convent ISC School unveiled a groundbreaking 3D science expo model that became the centerpiece of the initiative. Led by Alan Mish, this 10-member team masterfully combined creativity and purpose to design a model that highlighted the critical connection between lung health, environmental sustainability, and cancer prevention. The model showcased a stark contrast: a healthy lung on one side, symbolizing vitality and the benefits of a clean, smoke-free lifestyle, and a lung with malignant tumors on the other, representing the devastating impact of smoking and pollution. Alongside this, a vibrant nature diorama depicted a flourishing ecosystem juxtaposed against an air-polluted, deforested, and industrialized landscape, emphasizing how the health of our lungs mirrors the health of our environment.
This exceptional model delivered a compelling message—our choices shape our health and the planet. By protecting the environment, quitting smoking, and advocating for early cancer detection, we can prevent diseases like lung cancer and build a healthier future. Our lungs and nature breathe life into each other—if one suffers, so does the other. This unique and thought-provoking creation not only educated but inspired action, making it a memorable symbol of the school’s commitment to awareness, prevention, and unity in the fight against cancer.
In an inspiring initiative, student Chrisben Simon Bervin interviewed Fr. Vineeth Paul, Assistant Parish Priest of Veli, who shared insights about the cancer cases in the Veli region and the struggles of cancer patients in and around the Veli region. The interview highlighted the need for a localized support system for them and inspired the idea of creating a cancer care foundation. Hence, he proposed creating a cancer care foundation for the benefit of patients, proving that young minds can lead to transformative initiatives. This initiative underlined the importance of community involvement in fighting cancer.
The FACT Campaign 2024 was more than a series of activities; it was a movement. Each event emphasized the importance of awareness, prevention, and early detection. Students learned valuable lessons about the role of lifestyle choices, regular health checkups, and community support in combating cancer.
Through their participation, students demonstrated the power of unity and empathy. The campaign not only educated our students but also extended its reach to the community, creating a ripple effect of awareness and action.
At Marion Villa Convent ISC School, we believe in empowering young minds to drive meaningful change. The FACT Campaign 2024 – 2025 is a testament to what can be achieved when passion and purpose come together. As we continue this journey, let us remember the words of Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, the renowned oncologist:
“Prevention is the most effective cure we have.”
Together, let us fight against cancer—one step, one message, and one act of kindness at a time.