Join Poonam in her mission to support treatment and care for children from poor families fighting cancer

"When a doctor tells a family... your child has cancer, I think perhaps the mind shuts down after the letter C", shares Poonam Bagai, a cancer survivor who is now on a mission to support kids fighting cancer. This devastating moment marks the start of a family's nightmare, a nightmare that no parent should face alone. For countless families in India, the fear is compounded by the brutal reality of unaffordable treatment and access to care. “Families often come having taken a loan, putting their land up as collateral, and often even that is not enough", Poonam adds. This is the alarming reality CanKids KidsCan, the NGO Poonam founded, is dedicated to changing. 

Unfortunately, Poonam and her NGO’s work is completely dependent on donations and public support. This is where kind-hearted individuals can make a huge impact. Let’s come together and support this critical mission. Donate generously!

Donate easily through UPI, all debit/credit cards and net banking. Charitable donations to this fundraising campaign are tax exempted under 80G of the Income Tax Act (India).

The crushing burden of cancer

The fight against childhood cancer is not just medical; it's a relentless battle against financial ruin, emotional collapse, and systemic barriers. Poonam reminds us that childhood cancer is truly a family illness, affecting every member. The trauma is profound: "I went into depression. People say 50% of people with cancer also get depressed. I was in that 50%". If this is the reality for the privileged, imagine the terror for those with limited resources,” she says.

For poor families, the choice is often brutal, forcing fathers to quit their jobs and leaving the family vulnerable because families often come having taken a loan, putting their land up as collateral. The most shocking barrier is the diagnostic delay. The reality is dire: the median time for a family to reach a doctor is three days. But the median time for timely diagnosis is 37 days. This delay can be fatal, as Poonam Poonam warns. “If you don't have the funds and leave the hospital, by the time you save up some money, take a loan, and then come back, it can be too late".

The circle of care and hope

CanKids was founded on a deep personal commitment, born from Poonam's own struggle: "I also prayed to God... I told God, 'God, I have these little children. If I die, what will happen to them?'". This led to a solemn pledge to dedicate her life to helping children with cancer.

CanKids steps in to provide Holistic Care, ensuring that no child faces this battle alone and no family has to make the impossible choice between their child's life and their livelihood. 

• Financial, medical and nutritional support: Medical Assistance (EMA) for treatment, addressing the urgent need for funds. Providing kids with nutrition that they need during the difficult process of treatment
• The Right to Childhood: CanKids, believes that the trauma of treatment should not steal a child's joy and light. 
• Empowerment: CanKids empowers parents to become Patient Navigators, creating a powerful Circle of Care where those who have survived, give back to those who are currently struggling.

A critical mission

Poonam emphasises that "every child deserves the best treatment, best care, and best support". CanKids has grown significantly, but "If our funds fall short, we can neither grow nor expand, nor can we reach every child", Poonam says. Your donation is not just an act of charity; it is an investment in human life and in fulfilling a national health priority.

Your contribution is the link that completes the circle of care. Help fight this war against cancer that thousands of children are fighting alone..

Donate to this fundraiser by Give, India’s most trusted online donation platform, to support CanKids KidsCan in its mission to support and care for children fighting cancer.