PANAJI: In the 3rd week of January, Shanti Avedna Sadan - Goas leading hospice for terminal and advanced cancer patients at Loutolim - was all decked up for a celebration.

There were balloons, karaoke, music, chips and cake.The state of mind was sombre, however the spirits were high.

The idea for a grand farewell party originated from one of the inmates, 28-year-old Ashley Noronha.

In the final stages of persistent myeloid leukaemia, Ashley had one last desire: He wished to celebrate life.

He told us he couldnt bear to see any unfortunate faces and desired everybody to celebrate his life, stated Lourdes Soares, creator of Sabrcare Trust, an organisation that was helping Ashley with his cancer treatment, adding: Most people quit in the end, so this was a distinct request.

Time was brief, so when Ashley put forth his need, the group at Shanti Avedna Sadan right away got breaking to host a party that began with clearance from his doctor.

Ashley, who had a nasal cannula for supplemental oxygen, wanted to look his best and asked to be shaved and groomed.

He even desired a touch of makeup, said a social worker from Cankids, Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, who assisted organise the party.Once done, he was wheeled out for his very last celebration.

In the face of death, Ashley set the state of mind that evening, talking his heart out, employing humour and wit to make his family and friends comfortable, and ensuring everybody remained in high spirits.

He also requested for the music to be altered - he desired popular song, joking that sad songs would eliminate him prior to cancer did.

He knew he didnt have much time left, so he kept pressing himself to remain awake.

He was frightened to close his eyes.

He even requested his preferred drink - rum and coke (his medical professional refused the rum), Soares said.As the party went on, Ashley didnt wish to let anybody go, but the guests were eventually asked to leave so that he might get some rest.

With memories of his party still fresh, Ashley went to sleep that night, and never ever woke up again.

The goodbye celebration was something new for us.

He was really delighted and died quietly.

The cancer had actually spread out, and he was uneasy, but he didnt grumble.

He breathed his last at 3.25 am the next morning.

We dressed him up in great clothes his household brought for him, and he appeared like an angel, one of the siblings at Shanti Avedna informed TOI.Prabhu Gaonkar said it was an unbelievable experience for those present.

We deal with many cancer clients and lose a few of them.

Its sad to see people go, but the method Ashley went really left us with hope.

He gave us a various definition of hope as he took things so well.

A local of Cunchelim, Ashley was a receptionist at an Anjuna hotel, and, beleaguered with health and monetary problems, he worked even as he was being treated for cancer by Goa Medical Colleges oncology team.