Shyam Vallabhbhai Dobariya

About Me

From Fighting Cancer to Leading with Purpose: My Story

A few years ago, I was a Class 10 student at Royal International School. Life was normal—I was studying, enjoying Diwali holidays with my family, and dreaming about the future.

But everything changed when I returned to my hostel. I noticed swelling on my forehead. After visiting doctors, I was told I had a serious tumor in my sinus. At Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad, I was diagnosed with **Ewing’s Sarcoma**, a rare and dangerous cancer. The doctors said I had only 15 days to live.

But I didn’t give up.

I started chemotherapy right away. Later, I continued my treatment at Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI), the biggest cancer hospital in Asia. During this time, **CanKids** came into my life. They supported me like family and even gifted me a laptop to help me grow my computer skills.

There were many tough days, but I stayed strong. And I survived.

Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come:

Final-year BCA student
Head of IT at Podar School, India’s largest school network
Working online for Walmart, USA
CEO of INOX Technology, Delhi
Founder of Shyam Super Papad

CanKids is still a big part of my life. They invite me to their car rallies every year and welcome me warmly at their home in Ahmedabad. I go for check-ups every 4 months, but I always look forward to meeting the CanKids team.

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, CanKidsKidsCan - 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, counseling, 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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