Mumbai, January 2026: 15 childhood cancer survivors, with an average age of 22 years will be participating in the Tata Mumbai Maathon (TMM) on Sunday January 18. 

The 16th consecutive year, CanKids will participate in this historic marathon, rallying childhood cancer survivors, the CanKids leadership team, corporate partners, and volunteers.

Participating across categories, this determined group of 15 childhood cancer survivors from across India now carry a powerful message of hope for those still fighting.

Among them is Vikash, a retinoblastoma survivor who lost an eye after multiple surgeries and travelled across several states before receiving life-saving treatment in Mumbai. Supported throughout by CanKids, he now works at the CanKids Mumbai CanShala, helping children continue their education during treatment.

TMM 2026 will feature a deeply moving visual tribute from CanKids. Runners will carry Dream Placards, each showcasing a child’s photograph and the dream they aspire to — whether to become a doctor, astronaut, singer, teacher, or soldier.

While the placards are a running gallery of aspirations, at the CanKids zone, a striking Hope Tiles Wall - a mosaic of dream-infused tiles will stand as a powerful reminder of why this run matters. A large Hope Tiles Banner, unfurled by partner runners, will symbolize a collective commitment to giving every child with cancer a chance to dream again.

The CanKids leadership team will join survivors and supporters throughout the marathon build-up and race day. Speaking on the organisation’s vision, Ms. Poonam Bagai, Founder & Chairperson of CanKids and a cancer survivor, shared:

“Our mission is to close the gap between treatment, education, and the State by building an Integrated Cure & Care Model for every child with cancer in India. The Tata Mumbai Marathon strengthens this journey by giving us a national platform where survivors lead the way and remind us that hope is stronger than fear.”

Through TMM 2026, CanKids aims to amplify national awareness on childhood cancer, promote early diagnosis, expand access to care, and support its holistic model of treatment, nutrition, education, counselling, palliative care, and survivor empowerment across India.