In an inspiring demonstration of resilience and hope, survivors of childhood cancer took the center stage at Champions Marathon, organised by Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, to raise awareness about childhood cancer. The marathon began at Elcot IT Park and ended at the hospital featuring over 500 participants including childhood cancer survivors, parents, doctors, and the public.
Ms. M. S. Sangeetha I.A.S., District Collector, Madurai flagged off the marathon in the presence of Ms. C. Kamini Gurushankar, Secretary and Trustee, S.R. Trust, and Mr.Thirumurugan Subburaj, Center Head - HCL Tech, Madurai. Also present were: Dr. B. Kannan, Medical Administrator, Dr. Ramesh Ardhanari, Medical Director, Dr. P. Krishna Moorthi Senior Consultant, Department of General Medicine, and Dr. K. SampathKumar, Senior Consultant, Department of Nephrology of Meenakshi Mission Hospital.
The event had young cancer survivors showcasing their talents through vibrant dance performances and a fancy dress competition. Older survivors shared their inspiring stories, offering encouragement to younger patients. The highlight of the event was an emotional skit by hospital staff, delivering the powerful message that “Childhood Cancer is Curable”, emphasising hope and the importance of timely treatment.
Providing the Chief Guest address, Ms. M.S. Sangeetha I.A.S said each one of the childhood cancer survivors stands as a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. “While we celebrate the triumphs of survivors, it is crucial to realise the importance of early diagnosis, timely referral, and appropriate treatment in childhood cancer. Early detection plays a key role in improving survival rates and ensuring better outcomes. It enables us to provide the right care at the right time, helping more children not only survive but thrive. As a community, we must support efforts to raise awareness about the signs of childhood cancer and ensure that every child has access to the best medical care possible.”
In her keynote speech, Ms. Kamini Gurushankar said, “Childhood cancers in the 0-14 age group place an immense emotional burden on families. Though they account for only 4% of all cancers in the country, the impact is profound. Fortunately, with advances in medical technology, childhood cancers are now highly treatable with great success rates. As MMHRC looks to the future, it remains a beacon of hope for families in need, determined to advance cancer care and improve outcomes for children across South Tamil Nadu and beyond. We care for over 1,200 pediatric cancer patients annually, achieving an 80% success rate. In this context, this marathon is more than just an event-it's a celebration of life, hope, and the incredible strength of young survivors who have faced cancer and emerged stronger. Every step we take today brings us closer to improving treatments and ensuring that children and their families receive the care and support they deserve.”
In his address, Dr. Kasi Viswanathan, Senior Consultant & Head, Department of Pediatric Hemato-oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, said, “The hospital has firmly established itself as a leader in pediatric cancer care in South Tamil Nadu. Since 2014, we have also been a pioneer in Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) for life-threatening blood disorders and cancers, providing critical treatments locally. Since the launch of our bone marrow transplant unit, we have successfully performed 236 pediatric transplants. Our comprehensive approach to cancer care and transplants ensures that children in Southern Tamil Nadu, particularly in Madurai, have access to advanced, life-saving therapies without the need to travel far from home.”
MMHRC is at the forefront of pediatric oncology, specialising in treating cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and solid tumors in children. Utilising state-of-the-art medical technology, advanced treatment protocols, and compassionate care, the hospital’s dedicated pediatric oncology team not only focuses on treatment but also strives to enhance the quality of life for its young patients.
To ensure that financial constraints do not prevent children from receiving life-saving treatment, MMHRC has partnered with various organisations and government schemes. One of its key initiatives is the Camila Cancer Fund, a fundraising effort organised by the hospital to support the treatment of children with cancer. This fund helps cover essential treatment costs for families in need. Additionally, MMHRC offers significant fee concessions to families facing financial hardships, ensuring that no child is denied care due to their economic situation.
Through the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), the hospital provides bone marrow transplants at no cost to patients, a critical resource for children with life-threatening blood disorders. The Prime Minister's scheme further offers financial support to ease the burden of childhood cancer treatment. These initiatives, along with the tireless efforts of MMHRC's team, have enabled hundreds of children from underserved communities to receive life-saving treatments, bringing hope to families across Tamil Nadu and beyond.