blog by bidisha biswas(@bidishha)
pics edited by bidisha biswas

YOUWEAN CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY...

"Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul."

Lets know a little about cancer and then we an come to what YOUWECAN is..

CANCER..
known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of various diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors do not grow uncontrollably, do not invade neighboring tissues, and do not spread throughout the body. There are over 200 different known cancers that afflict humans.
When cancer begins it invariably produces no symptoms with signs and symptoms only appearing as the mass continues to grow or ulcerates. The findings that result depends on the type and location of the cancer. Few symptoms are specific, with many of them also frequently occurring in individuals who have other conditions. Cancer is the new "great imitator". Thus it is not uncommon for people diagnosed with cancer to have been treated for other diseases to which it was assumed their symptoms were due.

YOUWECAN:
YouWeCan is a foundation established by Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh meant to fight Cancer by spreading awareness about the fatal disease. Yuvraj Singh himself was diagnosed with Cancer and defeated the disease after a long treatment in the United States of America.

" YouWeCan is here to generate awareness and facilitate early Detection of Cancer. The aim of YOUWECAN is to reach out to one and all to engage with the disease and fight to WIN. The spread is fast and wide and we will endeavour control through early detections for which we will also produce facilities across the country. It is a long, tough journey but we believe, Together You & We CAN Fight Cancer."

Yuvraj Singh, who recently won his battle against cancer, on Saturday 7 JULY 2012, launched 'YouWeCan', an initiative dedicated to raise cancer-awareness.

India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has said that cancer survivors do not need pity and sympathy. After having successfully battled a rare germ cell cancer, the south-paw also encouraged others suffering from the diesase to fight back.

"Having experienced cancer personally, I can totally empathize with the pain and difficulties faced by a cancer patient and thus we have launched 'YouWeCan'. I feel extremely passionate and motivated about using this platform to appeal to everyone, to come forward for early detection, as I have myself benefited from it and it is key to saving your life from Cancer. I am determined to make a dent in the society and fight for controlling cancer but cannot achieve my objectives without your participation and support. I believe, together You and We CAN. And remember, if Yuvi Can, You Can," yuvraj singh said.

Yuvraj's Letter to Pranav Arora:

when it came to motivatate a young cancer warrior yuvraj singh send him a lovely letter on his fight with cancer.

Pranav Arora, 15, is a brilliant student of Jaspal Kaur Public School in Delhi, who aspires to be an IIT graduate.Pranav was diagnosed with non-hodgkin lympho blastic lymphoma in February,

My Dear Pranav,

Date: 17-04-2012

We don't know each other, but we share common ground and so, despite never having met, I still know you. I know that you are a brave boy, fighting cancer and fighting it hard.

There will be days the cancer will overwhelm you.

But remember, it will never beat you. On days you wonder why you can't have a life like boys your own age, remember that there are thousands of boys, girls, men and women, who are with you in this fight. Ours is a very big and very special family: only the strongest are put to the test by God and we will come through this and emerge better, bigger.

So you stay positive, fight hard and don't give away your wicket. All through your fight, in its toughest days and darkest nights, remember I am with you, cheering for you, fighting your fight.

All my good wishes and support always.

Remember You We CAN and we will.

Yours teammate in the fight against cancer,

yuvraj singh .

This is Yuvraj's new mission: to reach out to his “cancer family”. While recuperating, he has begun a new innings. Of being a role model. Of being an inspiration to many. Not many celebrities in India have shared their fight with cancer. Yuvraj is doing just that, to spread awareness and hope.

on 5th september 2012 YouWeCan' app initially for the Windows Phone was launched by Microsoft. When a user buys the app, he contributes one part of the price

565 (US$9.70) as a donation to the foundation.along with it YOUWECAN merchandice was also launched.

COLORS, YUVRAJ SINGH TEAM UP AGAINST CANCER:

September 05 2012: Viacom18’s flagship entertainment brand, COLORS has announced a unique partnership with cricket legend Yuvraj Singh and his foundation ‘YOUWECAN’ that works towards cancer awareness at large and detection for the underprivileged in the country. Keeping in line with its promise of delivering clutter breaking content, COLORS is launching a compelling show - Zindagi Abhi Baaki Hai that will air Yuvraj‘s arduous journey and triumph over cancer in a three-part series. Committed to raise funds through sponsorships for the show, COLORS will donate all proceeds to the ‘YOUWECAN’ Foundation.

Commenting on the occasion, Raj Nayak, CEO of COLORS said,‘YOUWECAN’ foundation in creating awareness about cancer and reaching out to people with a message of hope and inspiration with ‘Zindagi Abhi Baaki Hai - a three part series”.“Yuvi has proved that he’s not only an awe-inspiring cricketer, but also a true champion. We understand fighting cancer takes a great amount of courage and resilience, something that Yuvi has personified. Whether on the field or off it, Yuvi continues to inspire millions of people across India; and our humble endeavor is to partner with him to contribute our bit towards cancer awareness.”

Speaking on this emotional occasion, Yuvraj said, “Through my battle with cancer, I have realized that what’s within us matters more than what lies behind and ahead of us. Cancer is a disease that can eat through lives and I hope that my story inspires the millions affected by it to fight harder and conquer it. I am extremely glad that COLORS is supporting my cause and through Zindagi Abhi Baaki Hai, allowing my voice to reach millions of households across the country.”

Apollo- YouWeCan Cancer Screening Initiative:

on December 03, 2012 apollo Cancer Institues, an integral part of Apollp Hospitals Group joined hands with YOUWCAN, founded by Mr. Yuvraj Singh Foundation.The initiative was launched by Dr Rupali Basu, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata and Yuvraj Singh in presence of the India Cricket Team, eminent personalities of the city and media.

During the launch, Dr Rupali Basu said, “We hope to take the initiative nation-wide and make a change in people’s lives in the battle of fighting cancer. We will create dedicated teams to conduct the screening camps at various locations.”

Mr Yuvraj Singh expressed, “I am thankful to Apollo Hospitals for associating with YouWeCan and commitment to 100,000 people and cancer screening and look forward to that number going up multi-fold in due course. I would like all to believe, You & We Together CAN Fight CANCER.

AIMS OF APOLLO YOUWECAN CANCER SCREENING INITIATIVE

It aims to take the message of benefits of cancer screening so as to reduce the burden of cancer in the society by organizing ground activities for awareness and screening camps for masses in a structured manner. The initiative in its first phase would screen 100,000 people in six months to one year, starting from January 2013. The screening will be subsidized at Rs 300/- to Rs 500/- and will include basic blood markers and X-ray.

Apollo – youwecan cancer screening initiative launches mobile unit:

Kolkata, 02 January 2013: Apollo – YOUWECAN Cancer Screening Initiative today launched its first Mobile Cancer Screening Unit dedicated to undertake cancer screening programs at various locations in the state. The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit was flagged off jointly by eminent cricketer, MrYuvraj Singh and Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Dr Rupali Basu.

Dr Rupali Basu, Chief Executive Officer – Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals said, “We hope to carry forward the initiative taken during Yuvi’s last visit to Kolkata and by joining hands with his foundation, a long way. By reaching out to people in far flung areas, I am sure that our people would benefit from the mobile cancer screening unit at their doorsteps and they would participate in large numbers. We are committed to screen at least 1,00,000 people in a span of six months from today. Our team of doctors would also visit the north-eastern towns to conduct special screening camps. We are very hopeful to make a change in people’s lives in the battle of fighting cancer.”

Mr. Yuvraj Singh said, “People are aware about my own battle with cancer and my resolve to win it and live normal life like all. I am very happy to see the initiative taking the first step as promised to you. I would like to emphasize again on the importance of early detection to control the menace of cancer in our society. My belief that You & We together CAN fight cancer has become stronger today. I would be extremely happy if this initiative of cancer screening makes a difference to people and save lives.”

YOUWECAN: Apollo conducts free cervical cancer screenings

Kolkata, Mar 18 Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals organized a free cervical cancer screening program, as part of the Apollo-YOUWECAN initiative.

Dr Jayanta Gupta, Senior Consultant & Head of Department- Obs& Gynaecology, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, said, "Cervical Cancer is among the most common forms of Cancer that affect Indian women. Every year approximately 1,35,000 women in India die out of Cervical Cancer and about 2.5 to 3 lakh new cases are registered annually.

" However, Cervical Cancer is preventable primarily through awareness, education and screening and vaccination. Of these, screening is the most critical as it helps to detect abnormalities and thus undertake preventive measures. In India 1 woman dies every 7 minutes due to cervical cancer."

In a message sent by Yuvraj Singh, he said, "I feel very happy that Apollo-YOUWECAN initiative has taken a big leap towards cancer screening for women in large numbers. I urge all our women of eastern India to come forward and get themselves screened for cervical cancer, so that if detected early it can be cured."

APOLLO – YOUWECAN Cancer Detection Centres Launched at Ranchi :

Ranchi, 14 May 2013: ApolloYOUWECAN Cancer Screening Initiative today launched twoCancer Detection Centres at Ranchi. The announcement was done jointly by eminent cricketer, MrYuvraj Singh and Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, DrRupaliBasu at Ranchi.

yuvraj singh and youwecan on world cancer day:

Gurgaon, Feb 4: India's Yuvraj Singh had tears rolling down his cheeks as he recalled his struggles on battling cancer on the occasion of World Cancer Day on Monday.

yuvraj while explaining the struggle exactly a year ago after being diagnosed with a rare germ cell cancer in the left lung, couldn't control his tears as he could feel the pain of battling cancer. "Today is about survivorship. I didn't believe when I was first told that I have cancer. I thought how can a young person like me get cancer. I thought it could never happen to me. It took me a while to realise that I was diagnosed with cancer," an emotional Yuvraj said.

Overwhelmed by the support he received from the cricketing fraternity, fans and family, Yuvraj feels he got the much needed encouragement from his well-wishers and strength to fight Cancer.

"I want to give back to the society. Many cancer patients die because their disease is not detected early. Also, there is a stigma attached to it. The need is to address those issues," he said.

Victorinox India partners with Yuvraj Singh Foundation:

The Victorinox YouWeCan Knife is not just a tribute to the spirit of Yuvraj Singh, but also to millions of people who battle cancer with courage, said Anish Goel, Managing Director, Victorinox India.

In the course of the launch, Yuvraj Singh, said, “Having faced a testing time against cancer, I believe that no matter how hard the battle is, one can overcome it through self-determination. The Victorinox YouWeCan Knife conveys a spirit of reliability and versatility and I feel it is a fitting tribute to the cause of Yuvraj Singh Foundation. All that I would like to say is if Yuvi can, you can.

Yuvraj represents Youwecan at the Global Forum on Cervical Cancer Prevention:

On 27 may 2013 Yuvraj Singh represented Youwecan and was one of the key note speakers at the Global Summit on Cervical Cancer in Kuala Lumpur.

The forum will brought together global cervical cancer prevention leaders, advocates, academics and policy makers for an informative, consensus-building conversation to share best practices, highlight early adopters, and explore innovative financing options for comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and treatment programs.

The Indian Luxury Expo associated with YouWeCan & PeTA:

YUVRAJ SINGHS BOOK "THE TEST OF MY LIFE" LAUNCH:

THE book "THE TEST OF MY LIFE" played a vital role in spreading cancer awareness...as for the first time people with and without cancer... came across yuvra singh fight against cancer story.

The book, priced at Rs. 399 and co-authored by Nishant Arora and Sharda Ugra, is an account of Yuvraj’s battle with cancer and his return to international cricket.the proccedings were donated to YOUWECAN.
'

We all know YUVRAJ SINGH for his never say die attitude, for last one year through YOUWECAN cancer initiative we all came to know about YUVRAJ SINGH the fighter who not only fought,survived cancer but also steps forward to help others to fight the deadly disease.

Thank you yuvraj singh for motivating all..... you are a real life hero.. we admirers are always with you and youwecan.....
IF YUVI CAN YOUWECAN

SPECIAL THANKS TO

SUKH GREWAL(ADMIN TO YUVRAJ GANG)

FOR MAKING ME A MEMBER OF HIS TEAM

DIVAKAR KS(CO-ADMIN TO YUVRAJ GANG)

A GOD GIFTED GRAPHICS DESINGER AND THE

PERSON WHO TAUGHT ME HOW TO EDIT PICS

TO THE ENTIRE TEAM OF YUVRAJ GANG FOR HELPING ME WITH

REQUIRED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUWECAN

AMAZING ORCHIDS (by bidisha biswas).

"EARTH LAUGHS IN FLOWERS AND THERE ARE FLOWERS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE THEM"

The Orchidaceae are a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants with blooms that are often colorful and often fragrant, commonly known as the orchid family.

The name comes from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις (órkhis), literally meaning "testicle", because of the shape of the root. Carl Linnaeus classified the family as Orchidaceae. Orchid was introduced in 1845 by John Lindley in School Botany, due to an incorrect attempt to extract the Latin stem (orchis) from Orchidaceae.

The Greek myth of Orchis explains the origin of the plants. Orchis, the son of a nymph and a satyr, came upon a festival of Dionysus (Bacchus) in the forest. He drank too much, and attempted to rape a priestess of Dionysus. For his insult, he was torn apart by the Bacchanalians. His father prayed for him to be restored, but the gods instead changed him into a flower.

Here i present few ORCHIDS THAT LOOK LIKE ANIMALS.

1.Orchis simia

The Monkey orchid.

The Monkey orchid is a greyish pink to reddish species of the Orchis genus. It gets its common name from its lobed lip which mimics the general shape of a monkey's body. The species' range is Europe, the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia Minor and Iran.

the flowers open in sequence, from those at the top down to those at the bottom. The hood on the flower is pale pink, often with attractive red streaks, and is spotted or veined red inside. But the best reason for growing this is the bizarre, animated, monkey-like growth, with red 'hands' and 'feet' which poke out of the hood making it a big hit with children. It's best grown in a frost-free greenhouse where it likes bright light and moderate watering over summer, but it needs to be kept dry while dormant. Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Orchis
Species: simia
Plant type: Tender perennial
Flower colour: Pink
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Feature: Flowers
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained/light, Moist
Hardiness: Tender
Skill level: Expert
Height: 45cm
Spread: 15cm

2. Dracula simia called as "The Monkey-Like Dracula,"

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Asparagales

Family:Orchidaceae

Subfamily: Epidendroideae

Tribe: Epidendreae

SubTribe: Pleurothallidinae

Genus: Dracula

Species: Drac. simia

Dracula simia, called also

"The Monkey-Like Dracula," is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Dracula. The arrangement of column, petals and lip strongly resembles a monkey's face.

The plant blooms at any season with a single 5 cm successive flower. Flowers are fragrant with the scent of a ripe orange.

This gorgeously creepy orchid was named Dracula simia by the botanist Luer in 1978.Its scientific name is Dracula simia. Dracula, literally means 'little dragon' referring to the strange aspect of the two long spurs of the two long sepals,whereas the specific epithet simia translates to "monkey".

Up in the cloud mountains the Monkey Orchid can flower at any time - it is not season specific and it smells like a ripe orange.

Ophrys apifera known as the bee orchid

Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Genus:	Ophrys
Species:	O. apifera

The name "Ophrys" derives from the Greek word ophrys, meaning "eyebrow", while the Latin specific epithet apifera refers to the bee-shaped lip.The bee orchid, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Orchidaceae.

Ophrys apifera grows to a height of 15–50 centimetres (5.9–20 in). This hardy orchid develops small rosettes of leaves in autumn. They slowly continue to grow during winter. Basal leaves are ovate or oblong-lanceolate, upper leaves and bracts are ovate-lanceolate and sheathing. The plant blooms from mid-April to July producing a spike composed from one to twelve flowers. The flowers have large sepals, with a central green rib and their color varies from white to pink, while petals are short, pubescent, yellow to greenish. The labellum is trilobed, with two pronounced humps on the hairy lateral lobes, the median lobe is hairy and similar to the abdomen of a bee. It is quite variable in the pattern of coloration, but usually brownish-red with yellow markings. The gynostegium is at right angles, with an elongated apex.

4. Phalaenopsis- known as the Moth Orchid,
The generic name means "Phalaen[a]-like" and is probably a reference to the genus Phalaena, the name given by Carl Linnaeus to a group of large moths; the flowers of some species supposedly resemble moths in flight. For this reason, the species are sometimes called Moth orchids.

Most are epiphytic shade plants; a few are lithophytes. In the wild, some species grow below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight; others grow in seasonally dry or cool environments. The species have adapted individually to these three habitats.

Possessing neither pseudobulbs nor rhizome, Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth habit: a single growing stem produces one or two alternate, thick, fleshy, elliptical leaves a year from the top while the older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. If very healthy, a Phalaenopsis plant can have up to ten or more leaves. The inflorescence, either a raceme or panicle, appears from the stem between the leaves.

5. Habenaria radiata, the egret flower.

The white egret orchid (Habenaria radiata or Pecteilis radiata) goes by many names, including fringed orchid or crane orchid. The plant's avian-inspired monikers derive from the shape of its flower, which has a long, thin center wreathed by two wing-like fringes. Although it's something of a rare find, the white egret orchid adds an elegant ornamental touch to greenhouses and windowsills.

An upright, light green stalk with one or two tubular sheaths at its base and three-to-five spaced leaves supports the distinct flowers of the white egret orchid. The stark white flower itself features two large petals -- mimicking the tail of a bird -- from which a central, torpedo-shaped petal surrounded by two more fringed petals -- the body of the “bird” -- extends. Stems typically bloom with two or three flowers. At maturity, this slender plant reaches heights of about 7 to 15 inches.
The white egret orchid grows natively in Japan, Korea, China and Russia,

6. Caleana major, the Flying Duck Orchid.

This terrestrial plant features a remarkable flower, resembling a duck in flight. The flower is an attractant to insects, such as male sawflies which pollinate the flower in a process known as pseudocopulation

Caleana major is encountered as a terrestrial herb, up to 50 cm (20 in) tall. 2-4 flowers grow on the green stem. The single leaf, appears near the base of the stalk. It is usually prostrate, narrow-lanceolate, to 12 cm (5 in) long and 8 mm wide, often spotted. The flower is reddish-brown, 15 to 20 mm long. In rare cases, the flower can be greenish with dark spots.The plant is pollinated by insects. A sensitive strap is attached to the flower, which is triggered by vibration.

7. Peristeria elata

Dove Orchid or Holy Ghost Orchid

Peristeria elata is a species of orchid occurring from Central America to Ecuador and Venezuela. It is the type species of its genus.

it is found as an epiphytic plant on the trunks of trees covered with moss at elevation of about 1,100m.

It has ovoid pseudobulbs up to 12 cm high, elongated, not fat and with four leaves that reach up to one meter of length and 15 cm of width, folded. Flowers emerge from the base of the bulb and produce 4 to 12 flowers with an intense marble white color, with purple spots and the anther and pistil are yellow. The central part of the flower is ornated with a well defined dove shape. Its perfume is similar to beer.