About Me
I am Atul Rathod, a childhood cancer survivor, a changemaker, and a voice for thousands.
At just two years old, I was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma—eye cancer—and lost one eye to surgery. My journey through treatment was filled with pain, isolation, and abandonment. Even my father and extended family gave up hope. But when the world turned its back, CanKids stepped forward. They held my mother’s hand and mine, walking with us through the darkest days. Their belief in me lit a path I now walk with purpose.
Today, I stand not only as a survivor but as a leader. I serve as the Secretary of KidsCan Konnect (KCK), a national group of childhood cancer survivors who support, advocate, and uplift one another. I also work in Strategic Communication & Youth Engagement at CanKids, using my voice to fight stigma, raise awareness, and empower young survivors to speak up and lead.
But this story isn’t just mine.
This year, I’m running the Tata Mumbai Marathon Dream Run for the first time—alongside 30 incredible childhood cancer survivors. Each of us carries a story of courage, resilience, and hope. And we run not just for ourselves, but for every child still fighting.
Why We Run
We run to raise awareness.
We run to raise funds.
We run to remind the world that every child deserves a fighting chance.
These brave young fighters face unimaginable battles. But with your support, we can bring them healing, dignity, and joy. Your donation—no matter how small—can help provide treatment, emotional care, education, and a future.
Let’s spread the word, rally together, and say loud and clear:
Cancer Ko Dhishoom Dhishoom!
Appeal
Did you know that if a child has cancer in a high income country, their chances of survival are 80%. But in India, it is 35%. But it doesn't have to be that way. Founded in 2004 by Poonam Bagai, herself a cancer survivor, CanKids KidsCan - The National Society For Change For Childhood Cancer In India aims to change that.
CanKids partners with hospitals, medical professionals, and state governments to move India towards 100% access2care & higher survival rates for children with cancer. They enable best standards of treatment, care and support across 141 partner centers in 53 cities and 22 states of India. Catering to primarily underprivileged families, CanKids serves the underserved, ensuring avoidance of financial hardship.
CanKids increases survival rates by driving early detection, diagnosis & referral & partnering with the government and stakeholders to pioneer online support and care reaching remote corners of India.
Your donation goes towards medical treatment, blood work, nutrition, counselling, education of a child with cancer. Together we can bring light into dark and shine the way for more children with cancer to #surviveandthrive.
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