A laughter that defeated even cancer

Innocent’s book ‘Cancer Wardile Chiri’ ‘(Laughter in the Cancer Ward) will continue to give courage to hundreds of patients battling the chronic disease, which carries a lot of taboo even today

Cancer and laughter are two things which never go together. But Innocent handled both with ease. He laughed at the disease, which came at the peak of his career. His journey through cancer gave hope and courage for hundreds of patients.

His inspirational book ‘Cancer Wardile Chiri’ ‘(Laughter in the Cancer Ward) will continue to give courage to hundreds of patients battling the chronic disease, which carries a lot of taboo even today.

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People were amused when laughter came from the cancer ward, which until then was used only to cries and pains. He chose comedy to fight the disease. He never let his spirit down.

He managed to be optimistic and humorous even through the challenging days of chemotherapy and radiation. His laughter was infectious, filling positive energy even in fellow patients. Recalling those days, Innocent said his strong faith in God had helped him face the challenge with hope.

In the foreword of ‘Laughter in the cancer ward,’ famous oncologist Dr. V. P. Gangadharan, who treated Innocent, wrote: “Innocent himself is now a medicine for cancer. His humorous approach to the illness proved more successful than the medicines. It helped him to improve immunity and reduce the negative impact of medicines. His faith in science and the doctor played a significant role. His book is inspirational for many patients who go through the same experience.”

Underscoring the importance of being positive even in the hardest times, the book was later included in the syllabus of fifth standard in Kerala schools.