How Sonali Bendre Used Social Media To Fight Cancer

As parents, we are always searching to be on that right group that lets us talk about things without any judgment. Sometimes seeking approval and the right support can take us a long way. That's why Social media networks are the go-to platforms because they host a wide range of human experiences and they help connect people with another in both good and bad times. 

How social media helped Sonali Bendre talk about Cancer

“Yet it [my hair] was the be-all, end-all of my life. It was this stupid thing that I was hanging on to,” she shares. “My instinct was to wear a cap, a scarf or a wig—but these things are so ugly. I knew that if I had to accept it [going bald], I had to put a picture out there. Because once you share it on social media, you can feel the release.”

At first, Sonali Bendre was very reluctant to talk about Cancer. She wanted to own up to it and talk about her experience. She posted a candid confession on social media, revealing her treatment and how she was diagnosed with high-grade cancer that has metastasised. She explained her progression in a very simple manner and said, “It was all over. My scan showed cancer spread across like fairy lights, lit and twinkling.”

She agrees that engaging in conversations on Cancer online has helped her gather information and knowledge on a subject she didn't know very well. Bendre thinks that ironically, social media has been a source of joy to her. On Instagram, her admission of cancer gave her a lot of responses from well-wishers and people reached out to her from different towns and cities. 

Sharing the news on social media has lightened her burden and she also learned how common cancer was and that she was not alone. She speaks about positive hashtags like #Switchonthesunshine and #Onedayatatime and how they have been a coping mechanism to move on every time she felt overwhelmed. At the same time, she also tells everyone to keep it real and it is ok to have negative emotions. 

Additionally, her popular book club (on Facebook, Sonali’s Book Club boasts of over 14,686 fans) inspired her and it soon became her support group.