Ad fraternity & digital media give ailing JWT executive fresh shot at life

With digital media changing the way people connect, network, share views and information, there has also been a marked change in how people come together for a common cause – we saw it at the time when the whole nation came out to protest the violence against women following the Nirbhaya incident. 

A medical crisis in the family puts a great strain on every member – be it financially or emotionally. Any support received at such trying times provides a great relief. Digital media is proving to be a helpful platform in times of medical crisis, bringing diverse people together to provide information regarding treatment, doctors, support groups and also financial aid. 

Hence, it is heartening to see the advertising industry come together to take care of one of its own – Joyjit Deb, Art Director at J Walter Thompson’s New Delhi office, where he has been working since November 2015. 

Deb, or JJ as he is fondly called by his colleagues, now has at least six months of treatment ahead of him. The first round of treatments will continue for three months, after which there will be a second round covering the next three months. With a huge array of radiation sessions ahead, financial support is the need of the hour. 

Malini Patnaik, a senior copywriter at JWT New Delhi, shared her appeal on crowdfunding site, Milaap.org, wherein she mentioned that for most of last year, JJ had been treated at Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. What was initially diagnosed as a Tennis Elbow turned out to be a tumour. Since April 2016, he has been undergoing chemotherapy and repeated surgeries for his arm. He was back at work by January 2017 while still on medication and meeting his doctors for follow-ups. 

Each session of radiation costs Rs 50,000 and a session of chemotherapy costs another Rs 50,000. Funds are awaited so that his treatment can be taken forward. 

Industry stalwarts like Publicis India’s Bobby Pawar and What’s Your Problem’s Amit Akali have lent their support to the cause by sharing posts on their respective social media profiles and spreading the word. 

Milaap was able to raise a goal amount of Rs 7.5 lakh within just two days of posting the appeal for funds. This amount will cover the initial sessions of JJ’s treatment. However, the goal amount has been increased to Rs 12 lakh and the timeframe has been kept at three months to raise this amount to cover subsequent course of the treatment. 

With the immense support pouring in, the goal amount raised is nearing its target and already Rs 11.60 lakh have been collected. 

We, at Adgully, are joining this cause to help JJ recover soon. So spread the word and donate generously. 

To help JJ, visit https://milaap.org/fundraisers/help-joyjit to make your contributions and leave your best wishes.