Its First activity is Stories from the STAGE by Cancer Winners
Navi Mumbai : In a significant step towards marking National Cancer Survivors Month, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) today announced the launch of ‘CanWin’, a cancer support group that brings everyone together in their cancer journey. Rooted in the belief that “shared strength can change lives”, CanWin a brand-agnostic platform brings together oncologists, psycho-oncologists, patients, survivors, caregivers, and volunteers to create a compassionate community built on empathy, support, and shared understanding. More than just a group — it’s a safe space to talk, listen, learn, and heal. Whether you’re recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment or a caregiver, or living beyond it, you are not alone. CanWin a name that embodies two powerful ideas: there’s a CAN in cancer — a quiet reminder of strength and possibility. And there’s WIN — not just a destination, but a mind-set. A decision to rise with grit, grace, and determination.
The initiative was launched with an emotional storytelling session led by the cancer winners, where each one of them took the centre stage to share their personal stories of courage, strength, and triumph. These raw and inspiring narratives served as a beacon of hope for others walking down a similar path.
Sharing the story of his son, Master Jayesh, an 11-year-old survivor from Panvel, his father said, “Our child was too little to understand cancer, but all he wanted was to get back to his normal activities – playing with friends, going to school. The doctors helped us a lot, and although we were devastated, we never let him lose hope. Our son went through many treatments, which were challenging at times. He was small age-wise, but his fight was big, and he won over it. Now, he doesn’t remember those difficult times & just wants to live, laugh, and grow. We try to support him as much as we can to lead a normal life like any other child of his age.”
The father of 6-year-old Abhidya from Panvel informed, “Our little daughter is still fighting cancer bravely. She has had a relapse twice, but with support from our doctors & community, she is hopeful & wants to do all the things little girls of her age do. It is a very difficult & challenging time for us as a family, but we are trying our best to provide the best care for our daughter. We do worry about her future & hope that people will be understanding towards our children who have been through so much in their young lives.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dinesh Madhavan, President, Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said, “Today’s fight against cancer goes beyond advanced therapies—it’s equally about emotional resilience and human connection. Initiatives like CanWin bridge that gap by offering cancer survivors a platform to share, reflect, and heal, with doctors and caregivers standing in solidarity. When guided by empathy, storytelling becomes a therapeutic tool, empowering both the speaker and the listener. As we move toward more holistic models of care, CanWin embodies our commitment to creating ecosystems where science and humanity work hand in hand.”
“At Apollo Cancer Centres, we’ve always believed that healing goes beyond treatment. With ‘CanWin,’ we are creating a community where courage is shared, voices are heard, and positive stories become a source of support. This is a brand agnostic platform, meaning its open for all cancer patients, caregivers, oncologists and bystanders,” said Mr Arunesh Punetha – Regional CEO – Western Region, Apollo Hospitals “This initiative is a step towards humanising cancer care to offer not just clinical expertise, but emotional strength and companionship too,” he added.
The event also featured professional storytellers who mentored cancer survivors to share their journeys as a means of healing, advocacy, and connection. “Storytelling helps give meaning to pain. It transforms silent battles into shared wisdom. “These cancer winners are not just telling stories, but they’re rewriting the narrative of what it means to live with and beyond cancer,” said Ms Nidhi Bagaria, a professional storytellerwho mentored the cancer winners.
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