pankaj hareshbhai soni

About Me

My Cancer Journey

My name is Pankaj Soni, and I am from Deesa, Banaskantha.

When I was 5 years old, my mother was celebrating my birthday at our home. After two hours, I started feeling a little pain near my cheek. I told my mother about it. She tried some home remedies, but they did not work.

Two days later, my parents took me to the government hospital. The doctor examined me and gave me medicine for 5 days. I took the medicine regularly, but the swelling in my cheek gradually increased.

When we went back to the doctor, he advised us to get an X-ray of the cheek. After seeing the report, he told us that I had a tumor in my jaw and that it should be further examined.

The next day, my father took me to Bhansali Hospital, a private hospital. The doctor there asked us to do blood tests, a CT scan, and an MRI. After seeing the reports, he told us that I had cancer in my jaw. He warned that if treatment was not started soon, my condition would become worse.

Hearing this, my family became very scared and started crying. Our relatives also came to know about my cancer. One of our relatives, who is a doctor, advised us to go to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

At Civil Hospital, the doctor examined me and gave me medicine for 15 days. But my cheek swelling did not improve. When we returned, the doctor informed us, based on the reports, that I had Osteosarcoma of the Mandible (jaw cancer). He said that I would need immediate jaw surgery, otherwise my condition would worsen, and I could even die.

My father asked the doctor, “If you remove my child’s jaw, what will happen to his future?” After discussing with four other doctors, they explained that the tumor had to be removed now, and when I turned 18, I could undergo plastic surgery.

My family trusted the doctors and gave their permission for the operation. On 2nd March 2010, I underwent surgery for the cancerous tumor in my jaw. The operation lasted for 12 hours. After the surgery, I was able to drink only liquids for 8 months.

It was a very difficult journey, but I fought bravely with the support of my family.
This is how I started my fight to conquer cancer.

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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