Written by:
Aathira Ayyappan
Free Crowdfunding for India | #1 Fundraising website in India | Milaap
Championing Hope: 4 Child-Focused Cancer Care NGOs in Chennai
Championing Hope: Child-Focused Cancer Care NGOs in Chennai
These child-focused cancer-care NGOs in Chennai are beacons of hope in the lives of young warriors facing one of life's toughest challenges.
These child-focused cancer-care NGOs in Chennai are beacons of hope in the lives of young warriors facing one of life's toughest challenges.
Published on: 15 September, 2023
Published on: 15 September, 2023
In Chennai, amidst the bustling cityscape, four organisations stand as beacons of hope for children and families confronting the formidable adversary that is cancer. These noble entities extend their unwavering support, both emotional and financial, to those grappling with this life-altering diagnosis. Their missions converge on a singular purpose: to ensure that no child or family treads this arduous path alone.
Read more on the aid and support offered by each below:
1. Myrtle India
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
Myrtle Social Welfare Network provides assistance to children and families fighting cancer in Chennai.
Recognising the profound challenges faced by these families, Myrtle firmly believes in offering them the best care and support possible. Their mission is to ensure that no family facing a paediatric cancer diagnosis feels alone during their difficult journey.
One of Myrtle’s most noteworthy endeavours is the establishment of the Myrtle Play Area, a vibrant and nurturing space located within the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital, located on the 3rd floor of A Block. Here, children have access to toys, games, craftwork, books, and a variety of other activities, providing them with a comforting and enriching environment during their hospital stay.
Aid provided
- Temporary Shelter for caregivers
- Nutritional support
- Educational support for siblings of cancer survivors
- Health & hygiene kit
- Transportation support
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Help to fulfil the last wish of the child,
- Financial support
- Awareness on childhood cancer
Who can apply
Paediatric patients who receive treatment/are admitted at the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai, and their caregivers.
How to apply
Project coordinators of Myrtle get in touch with the patient and family, and offer support as needed, on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
Address:
Myrtle Social Welfare Network
18, 39, Cross St, Kennedy Square
Perambur, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu 600011
Website: https://www.myrtleindia.org/
Contact: +919840096022, +919962016499
Email: info@myrtleindia.in
2. CanKids... KidsCan
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
CanKids…KidsCan – The National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India is a dedicated organisation working tirelessly to improve the landscape of childhood cancer care across the country. Their comprehensive approach spans every aspect of childhood cancer care.
They collaborate closely with hospitals, healthcare professionals, and state governments, forging vital partnerships to ensure that children with cancer have access to the highest standards of treatment, care, and support. Their footprint spans 57 cities and 22 states across India, including Tamil Nadu.
Aid provided
CanKids works closely with the Tamil Nadu government and various stakeholders to ensure that families have the best Access2Care. This includes:
- Knowledge and Information: Providing families with appropriate knowledge about where to seek care.
- Timely Diagnosis and Treatment: Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment options for children with cancer.
- Shared Care and Continuity of Care: Facilitating shared care among healthcare providers and ensuring continuity of care.
- Awareness and Access to Care Information: Raising awareness about childhood cancer and providing access to care information and resources.
To support patients, CanKids collaborates with drug and pharmaceutical companies, distributors, retailers, and hospitals to secure discounted rates for various essential services, including:
- Drugs and Diagnostics
- Surgeries
- Radiation and Chemotherapy
- Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT)
- Prosthesis
- After Cancer Treatment (ACT)
- Palliative Care
CanKids also promotes adherence to globally and nationally accepted standards of treatment. Throughout a child’s cancer journey, CanKids offers a range of services, including:
- Counselling and Assessment: Providing one-on-one, face-to-face, online, or telephonic counselling and assessment by psycho-oncologists.
- Therapeutic Support: Conducting group therapies and expressive therapies to aid in emotional healing.
- Child life Interventions: Implementing child life interventions to enhance the well-being of paediatric patients.
- Capacity Building: Building the capacities of social support teams to provide counseling and emotional support.
CanKids fosters a supportive community by:
- Peer Support Activities: Helping children with cancer and their families through survivor-helping-survivor and parent-helping-parent activities.
- Family-Centred Approach: Supporting a family-centred approach to care, advocating for patients and caregivers, and encouraging patient participation.
Additional services provided by CanKids include:
- Nutrition Management: Offering services like assessment, diet counselling, and supplementation for children and survivors. Providing food and ration to families in need and deploying dietitians at cancer treatment centres.
- Hygiene and Infection Control: Educating children, parents, and survivors about Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Providing COVID protection kits and equipment to hospitals.
- Blood Support Services: Organizing blood donation camps, maintaining donor registries, and delivering blood products to children in need.
- Accommodation Services: Offering holistic accommodation services through CanKids’ Home-Away-from-Home units.
- Patient Transport: Providing patient transport services to and from hospitals and homes, both within cities and across state borders.
Who can apply
Support is provided to children (0-19 years) from any economic background.
How to apply
Call the helpline number – +919444096660 – and inform the Cankids team about your child’s diagnosis and give them all relevant information. They will determine the kind of aid that should be provided based on these details, and on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
Address:
Regional Care Coordination Centre – South & Snehalaya HAH Chennai
GRN Sarvesh, New No 98 Old No 5, South West Boag Road, T Nagar, Chennai 600017
Website: http://www.cankidsindia.org/
Contact: +919442633531, +9444096660
Email: info@cankidsindia.org
3. Sahaayika
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
Sahaayika is a registered non-profit organisation that provides financial assistance to women and children who are diagnosed with or undergoing cancer treatment.
Aid provided
Sahaayika is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients from economically challenged backgrounds. More than half of the organisation’s annual resources are allocated for the treatment of women and children/young individuals below 18 years of age.
In addition to medical support, Sahaayika also extends its assistance to the education of children undergoing cancer treatment. The organisation celebrates Rose Day, various festivals, and national events with the patients, organising nutritious meals, distributing gifts, and providing entertainment to lift their spirits. Sahaayika funds projects aimed at improving the overall quality of life for these individuals.
As part of their long-term medical support, Sahaayika provides free medicines to cancer patients as prescribed by their doctors. The organisation also funds the provision of artificial limbs and crutches for cancer patients who have had to undergo amputation.
Sahaayika actively conducts awareness programs to educate the public about lifestyle choices for cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular health check-ups.
Who can apply
BPL patients (children and women) who are undergoing treatment at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai.
Patient selection is based on referrals from treating hospitals, oncologists, and NGOs that serve underserved communities.
How to apply
Doctors at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai usually refer patients to representatives of Sahaayika, who then proceed to verify the cause and provide aid.
Contact
Address
New No. 32, Old No. 60
5th Street, Landmark: Near Bus Depot
Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040
Website: https://www.sahaayika.net/
Contact: +919840888040
Email: sahaayika@yahoo.co.in
4. The Ray of Light Foundation
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
The Ray of Light Foundation was created in 2002 by Dr. Priya Ramachandran whose primary goals were to; improve the survival of children diagnosed with cancer, support children who cannot normally afford treatment or be able to access treatment and finally provide the best treatment possible as per international protocols, regardless of the price, in order to give each child the best chance of survival.
Aid provided
This is a unique cancer foundation that commits to fully funding the entire course of treatment for paediatric cancer patients.
They offer free medical treatment for children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who have received a cancer diagnosis.
Their range of services encompasses diagnostic facilities, in-patient and out-patient treatment, comprehensive investigations, necessary medications, intensive care management, and valuable psycho-social support for children afflicted by cancer.
Not only does the foundation cover the entire cost of treatment, but it also ensures that treatment is carried out at a specialised children’s hospital under the supervision of a team of paediatric oncologists.
Who can apply
Children suffering from many different types of cancer are adopted into the program; the main selection criterion being whether or not they can afford and access treatment, not what sort of cancer they present with.
How to apply
Families of children suffering from cancer, hailing from poor socio-economic backgrounds can apply for aid by approaching the Foundation directly.
Contact
Address:
The Ray of Light Foundation
No.10, Nageshwara Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034
Website: https://www.rayoflightindia.org/
Email: rayoflightindia@gmail.com
In Chennai, amidst the bustling cityscape, four organisations stand as beacons of hope for children and families confronting the formidable adversary that is cancer. These noble entities extend their unwavering support, both emotional and financial, to those grappling with this life-altering diagnosis. Their missions converge on a singular purpose: to ensure that no child or family treads this arduous path alone.
Read more on the aid and support offered by each below:
1. Myrtle India
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
Myrtle Social Welfare Network provides assistance to children and families fighting cancer in Chennai.
Recognising the profound challenges faced by these families, Myrtle firmly believes in offering them the best care and support possible. Their mission is to ensure that no family facing a paediatric cancer diagnosis feels alone during their difficult journey.
One of Myrtle’s most noteworthy endeavours is the establishment of the Myrtle Play Area, a vibrant and nurturing space located within the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital, located on the 3rd floor of A Block. Here, children have access to toys, games, craftwork, books, and a variety of other activities, providing them with a comforting and enriching environment during their hospital stay.
Aid provided
- Temporary Shelter for caregivers
- Nutritional support
- Educational support for siblings of cancer survivors
- Health & hygiene kit
- Transportation support
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Help to fulfil the last wish of the child,
- Financial support
- Awareness on childhood cancer
Who can apply
Paediatric patients who receive treatment/are admitted at the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai, and their caregivers.
How to apply
Project coordinators of Myrtle get in touch with the patient and family, and offer support as needed, on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
Address:
Myrtle Social Welfare Network
18, 39, Cross St, Kennedy Square
Perambur, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu 600011
Website: https://www.myrtleindia.org/
Contact: +919840096022, +919962016499
Email: info@myrtleindia.in
2. CanKids... KidsCan
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
CanKids…KidsCan – The National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India is a dedicated organisation working tirelessly to improve the landscape of childhood cancer care across the country. Their comprehensive approach spans every aspect of childhood cancer care.
They collaborate closely with hospitals, healthcare professionals, and state governments, forging vital partnerships to ensure that children with cancer have access to the highest standards of treatment, care, and support. Their footprint spans 57 cities and 22 states across India, including Tamil Nadu.
Aid provided
CanKids works closely with the Tamil Nadu government and various stakeholders to ensure that families have the best Access2Care. This includes:
- Knowledge and Information: Providing families with appropriate knowledge about where to seek care.
- Timely Diagnosis and Treatment: Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment options for children with cancer.
- Shared Care and Continuity of Care: Facilitating shared care among healthcare providers and ensuring continuity of care.
- Awareness and Access to Care Information: Raising awareness about childhood cancer and providing access to care information and resources.
To support patients, CanKids collaborates with drug and pharmaceutical companies, distributors, retailers, and hospitals to secure discounted rates for various essential services, including:
- Drugs and Diagnostics
- Surgeries
- Radiation and Chemotherapy
- Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT)
- Prosthesis
- After Cancer Treatment (ACT)
- Palliative Care
CanKids also promotes adherence to globally and nationally accepted standards of treatment. Throughout a child’s cancer journey, CanKids offers a range of services, including:
- Counselling and Assessment: Providing one-on-one, face-to-face, online, or telephonic counselling and assessment by psycho-oncologists.
- Therapeutic Support: Conducting group therapies and expressive therapies to aid in emotional healing.
- Child life Interventions: Implementing child life interventions to enhance the well-being of paediatric patients.
- Capacity Building: Building the capacities of social support teams to provide counseling and emotional support.
CanKids fosters a supportive community by:
- Peer Support Activities: Helping children with cancer and their families through survivor-helping-survivor and parent-helping-parent activities.
- Family-Centred Approach: Supporting a family-centred approach to care, advocating for patients and caregivers, and encouraging patient participation.
Additional services provided by CanKids include:
- Nutrition Management: Offering services like assessment, diet counselling, and supplementation for children and survivors. Providing food and ration to families in need and deploying dietitians at cancer treatment centres.
- Hygiene and Infection Control: Educating children, parents, and survivors about Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Providing COVID protection kits and equipment to hospitals.
- Blood Support Services: Organizing blood donation camps, maintaining donor registries, and delivering blood products to children in need.
- Accommodation Services: Offering holistic accommodation services through CanKids’ Home-Away-from-Home units.
- Patient Transport: Providing patient transport services to and from hospitals and homes, both within cities and across state borders.
Who can apply
Support is provided to children (0-19 years) from any economic background.
How to apply
Call the helpline number – +919444096660 – and inform the Cankids team about your child’s diagnosis and give them all relevant information. They will determine the kind of aid that should be provided based on these details, and on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
Address:
Regional Care Coordination Centre – South & Snehalaya HAH Chennai
GRN Sarvesh, New No 98 Old No 5, South West Boag Road, T Nagar, Chennai 600017
Website: http://www.cankidsindia.org/
Contact: +919442633531, +9444096660
Email: info@cankidsindia.org
3. Sahaayika
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
Sahaayika is a registered non-profit organisation that provides financial assistance to women and children who are diagnosed with or undergoing cancer treatment.
Aid provided
Sahaayika is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients from economically challenged backgrounds. More than half of the organisation’s annual resources are allocated for the treatment of women and children/young individuals below 18 years of age.
In addition to medical support, Sahaayika also extends its assistance to the education of children undergoing cancer treatment. The organisation celebrates Rose Day, various festivals, and national events with the patients, organising nutritious meals, distributing gifts, and providing entertainment to lift their spirits. Sahaayika funds projects aimed at improving the overall quality of life for these individuals.
As part of their long-term medical support, Sahaayika provides free medicines to cancer patients as prescribed by their doctors. The organisation also funds the provision of artificial limbs and crutches for cancer patients who have had to undergo amputation.
Sahaayika actively conducts awareness programs to educate the public about lifestyle choices for cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of regular health check-ups.
Who can apply
BPL patients (children and women) who are undergoing treatment at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai.
Patient selection is based on referrals from treating hospitals, oncologists, and NGOs that serve underserved communities.
How to apply
Doctors at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and the Egmore Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai usually refer patients to representatives of Sahaayika, who then proceed to verify the cause and provide aid.
Contact
Address
New No. 32, Old No. 60
5th Street, Landmark: Near Bus Depot
Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040
Website: https://www.sahaayika.net/
Contact: +919840888040
Email: sahaayika@yahoo.co.in
4. The Ray of Light Foundation
Description
Aid provided
Who can apply
How to apply
Contact
Description
The Ray of Light Foundation was created in 2002 by Dr. Priya Ramachandran whose primary goals were to; improve the survival of children diagnosed with cancer, support children who cannot normally afford treatment or be able to access treatment and finally provide the best treatment possible as per international protocols, regardless of the price, in order to give each child the best chance of survival.
Aid provided
This is a unique cancer foundation that commits to fully funding the entire course of treatment for paediatric cancer patients.
They offer free medical treatment for children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who have received a cancer diagnosis.
Their range of services encompasses diagnostic facilities, in-patient and out-patient treatment, comprehensive investigations, necessary medications, intensive care management, and valuable psycho-social support for children afflicted by cancer.
Not only does the foundation cover the entire cost of treatment, but it also ensures that treatment is carried out at a specialised children’s hospital under the supervision of a team of paediatric oncologists.
Who can apply
Children suffering from many different types of cancer are adopted into the program; the main selection criterion being whether or not they can afford and access treatment, not what sort of cancer they present with.
How to apply
Families of children suffering from cancer, hailing from poor socio-economic backgrounds can apply for aid by approaching the Foundation directly.
Contact
Address:
The Ray of Light Foundation
No.10, Nageshwara Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034
Website: https://www.rayoflightindia.org/
Email: rayoflightindia@gmail.com
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
Written by:
Aathira Ayyappan
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