Kopila Gautam’s Agonizing Story Of Strength And Survival

Kopila Gautam, a folk singer from Ilam, has become a source of hope and motivation for many with her incredible survival journey against insurmountable odds. Despite battling cancer not once, but twice, she has shown amazing strength to conquer the unbeatable challenges in life. In 2019, she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, but she bravely fought and won the disease. Just when she thought she had won her battle, in 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet she did not allow it to stop her. Recently, she took part in the Mrs. Nepal World contest in Kathmandu, showing her determination and courage. Even with the visible effects of chemotherapy—like hair loss, damaged nails, and dark spots on her face—her spirit was unshaken. Kopila's story illustrates that no matter how tough life gets, people with good spirits can conquer even the hardest of challenges.

When tackled with a life-threatening diagnosis, most people expect to feel weak and bedridden. But Gautam defied those expectations. Instead of letting her illness define her, she emerged from her battle stronger and more determined.

Born in 1979, Gautam grew up with a deep passion for music, which led her to pursue higher education in the field at Lalitkala Campus in Kathmandu. In 2060 BS, she married Ramesh Tuphan Pandit from Gorkha, and together, they built a successful life. The couple had three children and established Shram Saptahik, a well-known magazine for Nepali labourers working in the Gulf countries. Through their hard work, they purchased land in Kathmandu and began planning to settle in the city, dreaming of a stable and prosperous future.

However, just as they were about to make their dream a reality, Gautam was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news hit especially hard, as she had three young children to care for. But rather than succumbing to despair, Gautam found strength in her family and her belief in Nepal’s medical treatment. She began her journey by visiting the hospital for a mild discomfort in her lower abdomen, which was later diagnosed as fluid in the ovary. Within a week, the fluid quickly turned to solid masses, and Gautam was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Looking back, Gautam credits her survival to her quick decision to seek treatment at a private hospital rather than waiting in the long queues of government hospitals. "I am alive today because I began treatment promptly," she said, highlighting the harsh reality that many people lose their lives due to the long queue in public hospitals. Gautam and her husband were fortunate enough to afford private treatment, thanks to the money from the land they had sold.

After successfully completing her treatment, Gautam sought ways to support her family financially while keeping herself busy. She opened a small tea shop in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, which allowed her to stay active and contribute to the household income. At the same time, Gautam used her platform as a folk artist to raise awareness about cancer, organising events to inspire others and provide hope through her music.

Just when life seemed to be returning to normal, Gautam was faced with another heartbreaking blow: breast cancer. 

This time, the couple struggled financially. They had to take out loans and relied on charity collections to fund her treatment. Despite the heavy financial burden, Gautam's spirit remained unbroken. "Even though chemotherapy drained me physically, I never lost my courage," she says, showing a determination to survive and live fully.

Throughout both battles with cancer, Gautam endured immense physical changes. She lost both ovaries and her breasts, her hair, and even some weight due to the illness. Yet, there is a part of her that remains unshaken—her inner strength and strong will to live. A month ago, Gautam participated in the Mrs. Nepal World contest, an event that gave her the platform to share a profound message of hope with fellow cancer survivors. Despite the toll that chemotherapy had taken on her body, she proved that life can still be meaningful and beautiful after cancer.

During her second treatment, Gautam made the difficult decision to sell her tea shop. But she was not ready to give up on her entrepreneurial dreams. She has big plans for the future, including launching an organic food business focused on cancer-related products. "I will stay active for as long as I live," she says with confidence. "Many people unknowingly discourage cancer survivors, but I want to spend my life staying busy, not gossiping or sitting idle," she says.

One of the most important aspects of Gautam’s recovery has been the support of her family, especially her husband. "Emotional and financial support from family is crucial for cancer survivors to live a healthy life," Gautam emphasises. "I feel incredibly lucky to have a husband who offers 100 per cent of his effort to take care of me."

Drawing from her own experiences, Gautam is now on a mission to raise awareness in Nepali society about the possibility of living a normal life after cancer. She believes that with timely treatment and proper support, cancer survivors can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. Gautam's story is not just about survival. But it is about living meaningfully, helping others find hope, and showing that life after cancer can be extraordinary.

Gautam’s journey shows that no matter how difficult the road may appear, resilience and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her courage to fight cancer twice, her commitment to helping others, and her plans for a new business all reflect her belief in the power of hope. Gautam’s story is not just about overcoming illness—it’s about living a life full of purpose, spreading positivity, and proving that cancer survivors can not only survive but succeed in many ways.

(Dhakal is a journalist at The Rising Nepal.)