Real Stories, Real Impact
Vinod and Avyatka Ramachandran – Finding Purpose Amidst Adversity: A Journey with Velindre Charity
Life teaches its greatest lessons and reveals our true purpose when we face the extreme.
The Ramachandran Family’s journey
Vinod Ramachandran and his daughter, Avyakta have been dedicated ambassadors for Velindre Cancer Charity since 2021. Together, they’ve supported numerous fundraising events and have embarked on their own challenges, raising over £9,000 for Velindre! Commenting on his motivation for fundraising, Vinod said:
“While [£9,000] may seem like a modest amount in the grand scheme of things, we find profound satisfaction in knowing that our efforts bring some comfort and relief to those navigating the arduous journey of cancer.”
Vinod and Avyakta’s own journey with Velindre is deeply personal. In 2019, Vinod’s wife and Avyakta’s mother, Saujanya, was diagnosed with cancer. Until then, Vinod has no knowledge of Velindre Cancer Centre and the treatment and support it provides to countless people in South East Wales and beyond. However, for Vinod and his family, Velindre Cancer Centre and the charity soon became a beacon of hope during the most challenging time of their lives.
Supportive Care at Velindre
When Vinod first took his wife for treatment at Velindre in December 2019, he felt vulnerable and unprepared—overwhelmed with having to understand the realities of radiotherapy and the challenge of explaining to three-year-old Avyakta the difficult journey her mother was embarking on.
However, during his wife’s treatment, Vinod reflected on how Velindre’s staff transformed their experience. With their unwavering support, they brought stability to the chaos in the family’s lives at that time. Vinod said:
“They treated my wife with respect and care, ensuring she maintained her sense of independence, despite her immobility. Velindre became a sanctuary for us, a place where we felt understood and supported.”
Whilst at Velindre, the family relied on the support of Michele Pengelly, Supportive Care Lead Nurse, as well as the dedicated family spaces and resources to help them through their difficult journey. Michele gave the family the ‘Caring for My Family with Cancer’ books series, which they used to explain cancer to Avyatka. The book series, developed by Michele herself, help families to explain a loved one’s cancer journey in a comforting and understandable way, so families don’t have to struggle with finding the right words alone.
Michele also helped Vinod and his family access the dedicated family room whilst his wife was being cared for at the centre. Vinod, his wife, their parents and Avyatka were all able to use the room every weekend and it provided an essential space for them to spend quality time together away from the clinical environments of the hospital. In 2019, the family even celebrated Christmas Day and New Year in the family room, making lasting memories that they could cherish forever.
Speaking about the support and care they received at Velindre, Vinod said:
“Velindre is a blessing in disguise for families like ours, whose lives are turned upside down by cancer. The strength of Velindre lies in its people, and I am forever grateful to the entire team-the nurses, doctors, healthcare staff, fundraising team, catering staff, porters, cleaning staff, complementary therapists, psychology team, and volunteers. Each member is a hero, bringing hope and comfort to every patient and family who walks through the doors.”
In August 2020, Vinod’s wife passed away after spending her final months under the compassionate care of Velindre.
Reflecting on his journey, Vinod said:
“We don’t need magic to change someone’s life; the power lies within us. By recognising and harnessing this power, we can make a tangible difference. Together, we can continue to bring hope and comfort to those who need it most. Through this purpose, we can change the world, one act of kindness at a time.”
The difference you make
Despite facing extreme adversity, Vinod and Avyakta found purpose and meaning in supporting Velindre and the charity. Both father and daughter are committed to raising awareness for Velindre and volunteering to support initiatives that provide comfort to other families like theirs during the most uncertain and challenging times.
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