Through her tireless efforts and unwavering faith, Bittu Safeena Sandhu’s inspiring journey showcases how personal tragedy can lead to impactful change. With initiatives that touch countless lives, the Rani Breast Cancer Trust and the “Never Say Die” initiative stand as beacons of hope and resilience.
What inspired you to establish the Rani Breast Cancer Trust after your sister’s passing?
My sister passed away in 1986. She was more like a mother to me, as I had lost my mother when I was 20. My sister took care of me for five to six years after that, but then she too passed away due to breast cancer. It was heart-breaking to see her go through chemotherapy during a time when awareness and medical facilities were far from what they are today. Watching her suffer in the heat of summer while undergoing treatments was painful. I realized her suffering stemmed from the lack of awareness in society. That pain became my motivation. I wanted to ensure that no one else went through the same ordeal. Though I started working at a personal level back then, it wasn’t until November 11, 2007—her birthday—that I formally established the trust.
What challenges did you face while setting up and running the trust initially?
There were countless challenges—emotional, financial, and logistical. It was a rollercoaster ride. In the beginning, we didn’t even know where to start. People didn’t listen to us, and it was difficult to build something from scratch. But every challenge made us stronger. My family—my husband, children—and friends supported me through it all. Even today, the path is long and full of obstacles, but when I look back, I see how far we’ve come.
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