We have three main areas of action: Educational Support Long-term survivors are educationally disadvantaged because of the loss of school time during treatment. We work to bridge this gap in their education while they go through treatment at the hospital ward, so they can fulfil their academic potential and are able to return to the right grade level after treatment. Our teachers (both staff and volunteers) provide support for primary and secondary education according to the school curriculum, teaching younger students in groups and older students one-on-one.

Knowledge Empowers and Happiness Heals Our vision and belief is driven by the high success rate of childhood cancer treatment (nearly 76%) Our goal is to provide an environment of independent and assisted learning for children with cancer and their families, increasing their happiness through learning and creative activity. This can also help increase the children’s self-esteem and confidence, allowing them to face the challenges of their medical condition with hope and dignity, improving the quality of life of their families, empowering them to return to the mainstream without apprehension.

Samiksha Foundation - Caring for Children with Cancer Trust is: Registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1881, document number BNG(U)-BMH 237 2009-2010 dated 7 August 2009. Registered for tax-deductible donations in India under Section 80G(2)(a)(iv) r.w.s. 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, certificate number DIT(E)BLR/80G/5/AAJTS8922L/ITO(E)-3/Vol 2012-2013 dated 10 April 2012. Registered to accept foreign donations under Section 11(1) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, registration number 094421719. Registered with Permanent Account Number (PAN): AAJTS8922L Registered with the Ministry for Corporate Affairs in March 2022 for NGO CSR activities.

In August 2007, I met Samiksha and her mother at the Oncology Centre of a major hospital at Bangalore. 6-year old Samiksha bubbled with energy, constantly ran around, chatted incessantly and sang songs, all with a mask on her nose and mouth. It was difficult to believe that she had cancer. On striking up a conversation with the mother, I learnt that all the other children sitting there suffered from different types of cancer and plasma-related diseases.

Our therapeutic alliance is a partnership between the children, their caregivers, the medical assistants and Samiksha along with its resource partners: The children are engaged in age-appropriate educational, spiritual, and creative activities. Their caregivers (parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives) can connect with each other and learn of other ways to deal with their situation. They are encouraged to participate in all spiritual programs and also use the library.