Ashlesha Bakshi

About Me

Hi, I’m Ashlesha Bakshi, an 18-year-old based in Mumbai. I’ve always been passionate about creating positive change, especially when it comes to supporting young children. I strongly believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and happy childhood, and that belief drives much of what I do.

Running has been a deeply meaningful part of my journey. Over the years, I’ve developed a genuine love for running—not just as a sport, but as a way to challenge myself, build discipline, and give back to causes I care about. I’ve been participating in the Tata Mumbai Marathon for several years now, and each time, it reminds me how powerful collective effort can be. Every run is more than a race for me—it’s an opportunity to stand up for those who need support the most.

I’m driven by a desire to give back to my community, particularly to vulnerable children whose resilience and strength inspire me every day. Alongside running, I enjoy singing, dancing, acting, and swimming—all of which reflect my commitment to growth, balance, and connection. Through this marathon and my association with causes like Cuddles Foundation, I hope to use my passion and energy to make a meaningful difference, one step at a time.

Appeal

Every day, thousands of children in India are fighting a battle with cancer—a battle that requires more than just medicine. For these young warriors, nutrition is extremely critical. Proper nourishment helps children withstand treatments like chemotherapy, recover faster, and reduce the risk of infections. Unfortunately, for many families already struggling with the emotional and financial toll of cancer treatment, access to nutritious food becomes an impossible challenge.

Cuddles Foundation is the only NGO in India dedicated exclusively to providing nutrition support to children battling cancer. They work directly in pediatric oncology wards, offering customized nutrition plans tailored to each child’s treatment needs. By ensuring consistent and medically guided nutritional care, Cuddles helps children stay stronger during treatment, improves treatment outcomes, and significantly increases their chances of survival. Their work addresses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of cancer care—because a child cannot fight cancer on an empty stomach.

United Way Mumbai is one of India’s most trusted nonprofit organizations, working across health, education, and livelihoods to create long-term social impact. Through its strong network, accountability, and community-based approach, United Way Mumbai supports high-impact programs and ensures that resources reach the most vulnerable communities. By enabling and strengthening initiatives like pediatric nutrition support, United Way Mumbai plays a vital role in scaling impact and driving sustainable change.

For me, supporting this cause is deeply personal. I believe that every child deserves a fair chance to fight, heal, and live a full life. Yet for many underprivileged children diagnosed with cancer, that chance depends on something as basic as access to nutritious food. I chose to support this fundraiser because nutrition is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Knowing that my efforts can help restore strength, dignity, and hope to children and their families motivates me to run the Tata Mumbai Marathon for this cause.

When you donate, you’re not just giving food—you’re giving strength, hope, and a real chance at recovery. Your contribution will help ensure that children undergoing cancer treatment receive the nutrition they need to endure therapy and heal.

This Tata Mumbai Marathon, I invite you to stand with Cuddles Foundation and United Way Mumbai to make a meaningful difference. No child should have to fight cancer hungry.
Every contribution counts. Every step brings us closer to a world where every child has the nourishment they need to beat cancer.

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