Akash Khurana

About Me

I’ve always admired runners — their discipline, focus, and endurance. For most of my life though, I was more of an observer than a participant. A few friends inspired me to finally lace up my shoes and give it a try, and that small push changed a lot.

Since 2021, I’ve taken part in events like the San Francisco Marathon (10K & Half), Berkeley Half Marathon, and more recently the Indore Marathon after relocating to India in 2024. Running has become something I genuinely enjoy — though I’ll admit, I’m still working on making it a consistent part of my routine.

This year, I’m setting a bigger goal — to make running a steady part of my life and to give it deeper purpose by participating in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, in support of Access Life and their incredible work with children battling cancer.

Appeal

Behind every child fighting cancer is a parent fighting a quieter, harder battle — the struggle to keep hope alive far from home.

Many of these families travel to Mumbai from small towns across India, holding on to one belief: that their child will get better. TATA Memorial Hospital does its part by offering free treatment, but life outside the hospital is an uphill climb. In a city as expensive as Mumbai, most parents can’t afford a clean, safe place to stay. Some end up in cramped rooms or sleeping on pavements — while their children endure treatment and fragile immunity.

That’s where Access Life steps in, creating not just shelter but a haven. Starting their journey in June 2014 with one centre in Chembur, Mumbai, they’ve now grown to 11 centres across Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh, and Manipal. On any given day, 187 families — about 561 people — find care, nutrition, emotional strength, and community in these homes.

This cause is what movements like TMM 2026 stand for — people coming together to turn compassion into something tangible. Every contribution helps ensure no child has to heal on the street, and every family can face tomorrow with a little more courage.

Access Life gives them that chance. Let’s give them our support — and help them smile again.

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