We will spend the next few weeks introducing you to the stories that exist behind the walls of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH & RC), Lahore. Described aptly by someone recently as a place where people come looking for salvation, it is tough to even begin to imagine what would happen to all these cancer warriors- both young and old- had this Hospital not been there. We will do a series of posts to take you into the world of patients, doctors, nurses, researchers, pharmacists, nutritionists, technicians, therapists, and cleaning staff who make up this institution that has been fighting the battle against cancer in Pakistan for two decades. The stories will not be easy to read; there are tales of despair, loneliness, stigma, big cancers attacking little bodies, broken parents and brave children. But speaking to these people, we found strength from their strength, and were left in awe of their will to fight this battle every day. Over 2000 people work at this Hospital that matches the standard of any international cancer hospital, but is even more unique because it provides financial assistance to 75 percent of its patients. Many of the doctors here are people who would have been earning a lot more with their qualifications outside of Pakistan. But they chose to serve the poor, instead of making money their ultimate goal. The word “Khidmat” is one that we heard repeatedly from both patients and staff at this Hospital; it seems to be the basic premise on which the entire Hospital is based. A miracle in its own right, it gives hope to the poor people of Pakistan who would otherwise in no way be equipped to fight the war against cancer. It also gives dignity to the poor patients of the Hospital; no doctors, no nurses know which patient is on financial assistance and every patient that walks through the doors is treated equally. SKMCH & RC has also played a vital role in collecting statistics, data, doing research on Pakistani genetics, and creating awareness that cancer is not a death sentence and can be cured if detected on time. As you follow the stories, please do consider donating even if it is a small amount. Rs. 10 was the average donation size with which the first Hospital came into being so no donation is too small. Your funds will go a long way in helping these warriors in their fight against this disease, and please consider sharing and passing these stories on so that they reach as many people as possible.