Kavita’s Journey of Hope
– Dr. Suman Chauhan, Jodhpur
Kavita, a 40-year-old woman, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Hailing from Gujarat she settled in jodhpur after her marriage. She lives with her husband and her daughter, a 19-year girl, who is now in college. For Kavita, her daughter has been a constant source of hope and strength. Kavita’s journey filled with full of courage, struggle and illness. She also fought for her daughter’s right to study. Kavita used to make ‘khichiya’ (Rajasthani Papad) at home and sold it for an income, that helped her during her treatment when no other source of income was available. When she was diagnosed with cancer, her life took a turn. She underwent surgery along with multiple cycles of chemotherapy. The treatment was long, exhausting, as well as financially draining. As her husband was unemployed and no other source available to help them out, they even struggled to meet the household needs. Kavita spent all her savings for her treatment and for her daughters’ education. She knocked many doors for help. The disease and the therapy left her weak, hysically, emotionally and financially. She was referred to palliative care team on 23 September 2025. Our team visited her at home on 25th September, 2025.
Our team sat beside Kavita and listened to her as she shared the struggle and distress she has been facing. Her daughter was sitting beside silently with numb eyes.
We realized that her struggle was not just medical — it was emotional and financial too. We encouraged her to start the khichiya business again as she was skilled to do so, reminded her of the strength and skills she already possessed. Our support lighted a spark within her. On the same day she went to the nearby shop and gathered the required materials and started the business again.
During the second visit, we found Kavita sitting on the floor with the dough, making fresh khichiya with a gentle smile. We joined her to boost her morale, spent a day helping her preparing khichiya.
With gratitude in her eyes, Kavita said,
“MATA RANI NE APKO MERI MADAD KARNE KE LIYE BHEJA HAI”
(“HER GODDESS HELPED ME IN FORM OF YOU PEOPLE”)
Her words touched our heart. That day we saw Kavita as a new person with hope and courage to rebuild herself and her family. Kavita sold the first packet of khichiya to us as we had promised to be her first customers.
Her story reminds us that palliative care is not just about relieving pain and suffering — it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and purpose to life.
About the Author:
Dr. Suman Kanwar Chauhan has been serving as a Palliative Care Physiotherapist in the Home-Based Palliative Care Unit at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, since 2023. She is a Certified Palliative Care Physiotherapist and holds a specialisation in Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT).