DRIVE AWARENESS FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER
New Delhi | March 19, 2026 (( TGN )
On a bright March morning in the heart of the capital, the steady rhythm of bicycle wheels carried a powerful message of hope across Delhi’s streets as over 100 participants came together for the Delhi Cycle for Gold Rally, organised by CanKids KidsCan – the National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India. *Dr. Blossom Kochhar, renowned entrepreneur and social advocate, the Chief Guest,* flagged off cyclists from Hauz Khas, encouraging employees, survivors, and supporters to join the movement. Cyclists from across the city rode through Delhi before converging at Palika Bazar Gate No. 1, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, where the rally culminated in a vibrant gathering symbolising collective resolve and support for children battling cancer.
Dr. Blossom Kochhar is also the Smile Ambassador of CanKids KidsCan, and the organisation is associated with the Kochhar Foundation, the social arm of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kochhar said, “I have been associated with CanKids for over a decade now, and to further strengthen this relationship, we are contributing ₹1 from the sale of every hero product sold from Aroma Magic for a period of one month ( February – March) to support children battling cancer. Through the Kochhar Foundation, we will continue to support CanKids.”
Adding to the spirit of encouragement and appreciation, the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies sponsored gift hampers for cancer survivors, cyclists, and volunteers to recognise their participation and support.
Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi, said:
“Childhood cancer is increasingly curable when diagnosed early and treated with the right medical care and support systems. Initiatives like Cycle for Gold remind us that fighting cancer is not only the responsibility of hospitals and doctors, but of society as a whole. When doctors, survivors, and citizens come together for a cause like this, it strengthens the message that every child deserves timely treatment, dignity in care, and the hope of a healthy future.”
Additional Information:
The rally saw participation from doctors, nurses, clinicians, social workers, donors, childhood cancer survivors, and children and families from CanKids’ Home Away from Home facilities, all cycling in solidarity to raise awareness and support for children battling cancer.
Cycle for Gold is a pan-India annual initiative and one of the country’s largest community-driven movements for childhood cancer awareness. Launched on February 4, World Cancer Day, and continuing through International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15, the campaign has mobilised cyclists across cities nationwide. As the ride approached its finale, Delhi added its trademark spirit, with participants across the country already cycling over 4.7 lakh kilometres, collectively aiming to cross 6 lakh kilometres to raise awareness and funds for children battling cancer.
The Delhi rally was flagged off from AIIMS, New Delhi by Director Dr. M. Srinivas, where doctors, nurses, and CanKids staff gathered to take a pledge of solidarity before beginning the ride. Simultaneously, Dr. Blossom Kochhar, renowned entrepreneur and social advocate, the Chief Guest, flagged off cyclists from Hauz Khas, encouraging employees, survivors, and supporters to join the movement.
The rally was attended by Poonam Bagai, Founder and Chairman of CanKids KidsCan, and Sonal Sharma, Co-Founder, along with volunteers, supporters, and members of the CanKids community. Participants also included children and families supported through CanKids’ Home Away from Home facilities, reinforcing the organisation’s message that children battling cancer are never alone in their journey.
The rally highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment, and strong community support in improving survival outcomes for children with cancer. Throughout the ride, participants carried messages of hope and solidarity, reinforcing the campaign’s call to unite communities in the fight against childhood cancer — “Cancer Ko Dhishoom Dhishoom.”
In the Delhi NCR region, CanKids works with 14 leading hospitals, including AIIMS (four centres), Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Dr. Shroff’s Eye Charity Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, and Max Hospital. Through its support programmes, CanKids has assisted over 2,000 children with cancer from NCR and Uttar Pradesh, providing treatment support, accommodation through Home Away from Home facilities, nutrition support, counselling, and long-term care for children and their families.
About Kochhar Foundation
For over three decades, CSR has been a core pillar of the business, driven by the vision of Late Col. Kochhar and Blossom Ma’am to establish the Kochhar Foundation. The foundation reflects our commitment to creating a meaningful and lasting impact by collaborating with NGOs and charitable organizations across India. As the company has grown, so has our dedication to sustainability, community development, and responsible business practices.
Our CSR mission focuses on driving positive change across key areas such as environment, health, nutrition, education, and community services.
Through strategic partnerships, innovation, and sustainable initiatives, we aim to empower communities, promote environmental responsibility, and build self-sustaining programs. By integrating social responsibility into our core operations and continuously monitoring our impact, we strive to create a transparent, scalable, and long-term difference for future generations.
About CanKids KidsCan
Founded in 2004 by Poonam Bagai, herself a cancer survivor, CanKids KidsCan – the National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India – partners with hospitals, medical professionals, and state governments to enable access to the best standards of treatment, care, and support across 60 cities and 22 states in India. Catering primarily to underprivileged families, CanKids is present in 141 hospitals nationwide.
The CanKids Change for Childhood Cancer in India (CCC India) model is a transformative healthcare approach aimed at ensuring that no child suffers or dies of cancer due to lack of access, care, or support. It combines a rights-based equity framework with measurable outcomes of survival and access. CCC India targets Universal Health Coverage through 100% access, 100% financial protection, and at least 60% survival by 2030.
