A Cancer Conqueror’s tale

“Inner strength can conquer anything and everything” – Harteij Bhartesh @letsconquercancer

Meet the believer of strength over weakness, the one who won the toughest battle like a brave fighter. Tathastu wishes such a brave fighter that one will ever know, A very Happy Birthday! Kudos to you and your strength!

Here’s his story, in his own versus :

It was 2013 when I was in my last semester of BA.LLB when I found out that I was in the 3rd stage of cancer. Cancer was new to me, for my family, and for everyone I knew. I was reluctant to take chemo for 2 reasons. The first was to finish my studies and the Second was obviously, Chemotherapy and its effects.

By the time I completed my graduation, cancer went into the last stage. During this period I was on an alternate treatment for Cancer. In April 2014, I shifted to Bangalore to pursue my MBA, but right after 2 months, I figured out that cancer has reached my bone marrow as well.

I shifted to Hyderabad in June and started my treatment which was 12 ABVD chemo-therapies from Indo-American Cancer Hospital under the guidance of my Oncologist Dr. Senthill Rajappa.

The treatment journey was not easy but I have to admit that it wasn’t tough too. Family support and a bit of self-determination take you through.

In 2015, I started yoga followed by working out at the gym to get my immunity back, and finally, in 2016 I started looking for a job for myself. But the recruiters refused to accept my medical history stating that I won’t be able to handle the work pressure.

This was the turning point of my life because I was surprised to hear this from recruiters. I decided to hold my Job search for some time. I wanted to break this taboo related to Cancer and Chemotherapy. People still believe that after chemotherapy the person can not get back to his normal life.

So, on 31st March 2016, I decided to do a solo ride across India for cancer awareness. It took me a month to arrange my finances. I had no one backing me up except my family and 5 friends.

A lot of money was already spent on my treatment. But seeing my willingness to do this my family stood again for me. On 1st May I started my campaign ‘Ride of Hope’ from Raipur, Chattisgarh. I headed towards Nagpur followed by Pune and then rode towards the whole South heading towards North. Within 5 months I traveled 20000 Kms traveling 15 states visiting all Cancer Institutes, schools, and offices. During these visits, I shared my cancer journey experience and the dos and don’ts during and after cancer’s cured.

Now I counsel cancer patients and have a group called *Riders of Hope* where if anyone has a blood requirement anywhere in India, we arrange it at the earliest for free.

I run marathons for all kinds of awareness and volunteer at social events as well. I just completed my 8 years of remission. I wish to complete the remaining 14 states of my campaign and take this campaign beyond our country’s borders as well.

3 Years back I set up an NGO, Harteij Cancer Foundation, which aims to create awareness against cancer and help them connect to fellow survivors of the country.

We can’t eradicate cancer immediately but we can surely create more awareness about it and slowly we will be able to see a cancer-free world.

Highlights :

2016: Ride Of Hope was started on May 1st, 2016

2017: I was chosen amongst the top 5 riders of India by Wrangler’s True Wanderer.

Where I traveled 5000Kms in 5 days traveling from Dhanushkodi to Rann of Kutch, capturing the true culture and essence of our beloved country.

2019:The ride of hope campaign was recently acknowledged and was given the title of SelfV Survivor’s Story Winner by Ducati India and HCG cancer institute at their annual meet.

MTV India featured the Ride Of Hope on its Chase The Monsoon 5 and all leading Newspapers like Times Of India, Deccan Chronicle covered the story.

2020: I was the face of the men’s grooming brand Beardo under their Legends Of Beardo Campain.

Harteij Cancer Foundation is now looking for sponsors to join for his noble cause.