Achievements:
About Me
My name is Darshit Jagdishbhai Kathiriya, I am 24 years old from Rajkot, Gujarat. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) when I was just 9 years o ld and studying in 4th standard.
One day, I had gone to the temple for darshan when I suddenly started feeling dizzy. I went back home and took some rest. The next morning, when I woke up, I realized that I was unable to walk. My father carried me in his arms to a private hospital. After some tests, the doctor gave me some medicines and asked my father to collect the reports in the afternoon. When my father went to collect them, the doctor told him that he could not treat me and advised him to immediately go to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
Hearing this, my father got worried and asked why. The doctor told him that it looked like cancer. At that time, my father was working as a labourer and was very tense about what to do. He asked relatives about the way to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
We were preparing to leave, but my pain worsened, so my father admitted me first in Jamnagar Civil Hospital. The doctors there gave me some basic treatment, and then the same night, we left for Ahmedabad.
The next morning, we reached Ahmedabad Civil Cancer Hospital. After further tests, the doctors confirmed that I was suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). They assured my parents that after treatment I would slowly start walking again. My parents were explained the treatment plan, and I started chemotherapy and radiation.
During this treatment, I lost two years of school. When I rejoined, my classmates used to make fun of me, which made me feel very bad. Many times I felt like not going to school. In order to continue my treatment properly, my father even sold our house.
Finally, after years of treatment, I completed it successfully. Now it has been 12 years since my treatment was completed, and I am doing well. I still go for regular follow-ups at the hospital.
Today, I run a small milk and juice café in Rajkot and I am also member with an KCK
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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