Neha Ram, 33, was in Class IX when she was diagnosed with blood cancer. Persistent fever, weakness and financial constraints made treatment a huge challenge, but the Patna native, now settled in Mumbai, faced the illness with resilience and optimism. Like her, Anup Dhuria, 30, a cancer survivor from Ayodhya who now lives in Mumbai, chose hope over despair.
On Sunday (January 18), the two took the stage at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, participating in the Dream Run (Run in Costume) category to celebrate sports legends and raise awareness about cancer.
“It was sometime in 2005 when doctors diagnosed me with blood cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). My parents went through their own stress as we faced financial difficulties, but their love and support never wavered. This journey has taught me to stay strong and positive and with hope, survival is possible,” said Neha, who is currently pursuing her graduation while working at Bombay.
Anup, a commercial artist, remembers being diagnosed with blood cancer when he was 12 years old. “My body had become very sick. But I soon learned that I had to be patient and also happy,” he said.
The duo appeared on stage together for the Run in Costume event. While Neha dressed as Rani Laxmibai (sword and shield in hand) symbolically fighting cancer, Anup wore a crab costume representing the disease.
On Sunday (January 18), the two took to the stage at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, participating in the Dream Run category to celebrate sports legends and raise awareness about cancer.
Reduce gaps in cancer care
For more than five decades, the Cancer Patients Assistance Association (CPAA) has worked to close critical gaps in cancer care with compassion, credibility and commitment. The organization provides comprehensive long-term support that addresses medical and non-medical needs, including financial assistance for treatment, nutritional support, patient and caregiver counseling, prosthetics, rehabilitation aids, and end-of-life care.
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A visible symbol of the CPAA’s sustained commitment is its continued participation in the dad Mumbai Marathon since 2004. Through the platform, CPAA has mobilized thousands of runners, donors, volunteers and corporate partners to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients.
“For the CPAA, the marathon is much more than a race: it is a movement that brings together agents of change who run with purpose and act from the heart,” said Alka Sapru Bisen, executive director of the Association to Help Cancer Patients.
Pune The survivors take to the track.
From Pune, several cancer survivors participated in the full and half marathon events. Among them was Sonia Soman, 52, an IT professional who runs a software products company. Soman, diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 31, began endurance running after completing her treatment.
Having previously run several 10 kilometer races, he completed his sixth half marathon (21.07 km) in 2 hours and 55 minutes in the event. Ironman veteran Kaustubh Radkar, who trained several athletes including Soman, wrote on social media that “when preparation is honest, the body and mind respond even on the most difficult days.”
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For Soman, life has been about taking things one day at a time. “I decided to start running at the age of 41 to celebrate ten years in remission. At one point, I was told about the possible side effects of my medication that could affect lung power, so I decided to start endurance running. Later, I trained with coach Radkar, who explained to me the importance of recognizing one’s limits and not pushing oneself too hard. Of course, all this was after checking my health parameters. What has also helped me is having a positive desire and maintaining regular exercise,” he said.
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