Shillong: Shillong gathered Friday to honor Rebecca Vanessa Suchiang. The state’s first Khasi woman Chief Secretary died August 18 after battling cancer. She served as Chief Information Commissioner even while sick. Friends and family met at Mama’s Café to share stories of her courage.
Her son, Daniel Shallam, read his mother’s poetry. In her own words: “Survival itself is exhausting and the worst thing about this illness is the uncertainty, of going through needles and sleepless nights. Sometimes I envy my colleagues and friends who enjoy their post-retirement years…”
Cancer survivors Eva Kurbah and Warimeki Lyngwa hosted the tribute. They used the event to push for early cancer screening. Dr. Anisha Mawlong reported that the Meghalaya Mission Screening has tested 10,000 people. Roughly 800 individuals showed pre-cancerous lesions. Meghalaya now ranks as the state with the second-highest cancer rate in the country, trailing only Mizoram.
Medical professionals are fighting back. The government now provides the HPV vaccine for free. It usually costs up to Rs 8,000. This drug prevents cervical cancer, which currently hits one in five women in the state. Doctors also detailed newer options like targeted therapy to replace or assist traditional chemo.
Mental health took center stage alongside physical recovery. Psychiatrists Riyaki V Surong and Afilia Nongrum of the group U Matter reminded the crowd that care must include the mind. They urged the public to offer a non-judgmental ear to those suffering in silence. “Listening is itself a healing,” Surong said. “We are not supposed to give advice because most often those afflicted by mental health know what they should be doing.”
Dr. Jasmine Lyngdoh joined the panel to discuss stress. She warned that social media pressure and pushy parenting damage long-term well-being. The experts agreed that communities need more open, stigma-free spaces to talk. Caregivers require help too. They face heavy physical and financial tolls while supporting loved ones through the crisis.
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