To commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day 2026, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, hosted a high-impact engagement event under the global theme “From Challenge to Change.” The hospital transformed its lobby into a space of solidarity, celebrating the “Power Champs”—young cancer warriors whose resilience inspires a new standard for pediatric oncology care. By launching the innovative “Grow Green Initiative,” the hospital not only honored the courage of its patients but also reaffirmed a deep-seated commitment to early diagnosis, timely intervention, and a holistic treatment approach that bridges environmental health with medical excellence.
Speaking about the significance of the day, Dr. Purna Kurkure, Senior Consultant & HOD – Paediatric Oncology, Haemato-Oncology and BMT, stated, : “Childhood cancer is highly curable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately with the right multidisciplinary approach. Through initiatives like this, we aim not only to raise awareness but also to celebrate the courage of our patients, who inspire us every day with their strength and determination.”
The morning program included a lamp-lighting ceremony and donor felicitation, alongside therapeutic engagements such as dance therapy by the Mumbai Art & Health Festival, book-reading sessions by the Max Foundation, and a magic show tailored to provide joy and emotional relief. The event reached a poignant crescendo through the moving testimonies of survivors and their families, followed by a solemn pledge ceremony where medical professionals and attendees vowed to champion the cause of early detection and compassionate support for every young warrior.
The Grow Green Initiative: Nurturing Hope and Nature
Parallel to the medical mission, the hospital unveiled an environmental pledge underscores the philosophy that the health of our children and the vitality of our planet are inextricably linked. As part of this ongoing initiative, children were given a specially curated Grow Green Plant Kit, which included a sapling, a planting manual, and a QR code for digital registration. Participants are encouraged to nurture their sapling and share a photograph once it matures to receive a certificate recognizing their contribution. This project aims to raise environmental awareness while symbolizing the growth and renewal inherent in each child’s recovery journey.
As a premier center for pediatric oncology in India, Narayana Health SRCC continues to redefine care through clinical excellence and multidisciplinary innovation. In alignment with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, the hospital remains at the forefront of the mission to achieve a 60% survival rate by 2030, ensuring that every “Power Champ” has the opportunity to thrive in a healthier, greener future.
