The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM), ranked among the top 10 marathons in the world, will see the participation of 15 childhood cancer survivors, with an average age of 22 years, when the event begins in Mumbai on Sunday, January 18.
This is the 16th consecutive year CanKids will participate in this historic marathon, which will bring together childhood cancer survivors, the CanKids leadership team, corporate partners and volunteers. By participating in all categories, this determined group of 15 survivors from across India carry a powerful message of hope to those still fighting cancer.
Among the participants is Vikash, a retinoblastoma survivor who lost an eye after multiple surgeries. He traveled through several states before receiving life-saving treatment in Bombay. With the support of CanKids, Vikash now works at CanKids Mumbai CanShala, where he helps children continue their education during treatment.
TMM 2026 will feature a deeply moving visual tribute from CanKids. Runners will carry dream posters displaying photos of children along with the dreams they aspire to fulfill, whether it be to become a doctor, astronaut, singer, teacher or soldier.
These posters will serve as a gallery of aspirations. In the CanKids area, a striking Hope Tiles Wall, a mosaic made of tiles filled with dreams, will be a powerful reminder of the importance of this career. A large Hope Tiles banner, displayed by partner runners, will symbolize a collective commitment to giving every child with cancer the opportunity to dream again.
The CanKids leadership team will join survivors and supporters during marathon preparation and race day. On the vision of the organization, Poonam Bagai, Founder and President of CanKids and a cancer survivor, shared, “Our mission is to bridge the gap between treatment, education and the state by building an integrated model of cure and care for every child with cancer in India. dad The Mumbai Marathon strengthens this journey by giving us a national platform where survivors lead the way and remind us that hope is stronger than fear.”
Through TMM 2026, CanKids aims to improve national awareness of childhood cancer, promote early diagnosis, expand access to care and support its holistic model of treatment, nutrition, education, counselling, palliative care and empowerment of survivors across India.