Apollo Cancer Centres Launches ‘CanWin’–A Support Group That Brings Everyone Together in Their Cancer Journey
Its First initiative is Stories from the STAGE by Cancer Winners
Chennai, June 25, 2025: 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 belief that “shared strength can change lives”, CanWin, a brand agnostic platform brings together oncologists, psycho-oncologists, patients, survivors, caregivers, and volunteers to form a compassionate community rooted in empathy, understanding, and guidance. This is more than just a group. it’s a safe space to talk, listen, learn, and heal. Whether you’re recently diagnosed and navigating treatment or caring for someone with cancer, or living beyond it, you are not alone.
CanWin, a name that brings together 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 mindset. A decision to rise with grit, grace, and determination.
The initiative was launched with an emotional story telling 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 his story, Master Lithin, a 10-year-old Medulloblastoma survivor from Chennai, said, “I was too little to understand cancer, but I knew I wanted to get back to playing. The doctors helped me fight, and my family never let me lose hope. I went through many treatments, but today, I feel strong. I may be small agewise, but my fight was big, and I won over it. Now, I just want to live, laugh, and grow.”
Mrs. Monica, a psychologist and Hodgkin lymphoma survivor from Chennai, shared her extraordinary journey of survival and purpose. “Just months after giving birth, I discovered a lump—first mistaken for tuberculosis but later confirmed as Hodgkin lymphoma. What followed were relentless relapses, five lines of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and 35 rounds of radiation, etched across my body in the shape of a cross. I endured physical pain and the heartbreak of missing my child’s early years. But with faith, family, and fierce hope, I rose like a phoenix. Today, I run a thriving business and serve as Talent and OD Specialist at Maatram 360, working to challenge stigma and inspire change.” she said.
Master Shrikar, who survived optic nerve sheath meningioma, said “Losing vision in one eye changed how I see the world—but not how I see myself. I faced every scan, every treatment, and every challenge with belief that things would get better. Proton therapy gave me hope, and my family’s strength kept me going. I’ve learned that even when life blurs, courage brings clarity.”
“Cancer may have altered the course of my life, but it never defined it. I chose to search for light—even at the darkest bend. My journey through leukemia taught me that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable—it’s about rising after the fall, healing with grace, and choosing hope, every single day.” Said, Dr. Priyanka Bagdi, leukemia survivor and author of Sunshine at the Bend.
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 winners 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 support to medicine. This is a brand agnostic platform, meaning its open for all cancer patients, caregivers, oncologists and bystanders,” said Mr Karan Puri, CEO, Apollo Cancer Centre and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai. “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 winners to share their journeys as a means of healing, advocacy, and connection.
“Storytelling helps give meaning to our experiences and supports healing for self and the listeners. It transforms silent battles into shared wisdom thereby spreading positivity. These individuals are not simply recounting their journeys—they’re transforming the way we understand life with and beyond cancer,” said Ms Ambujavalli, a professional storyteller- who mentored the cancer winners.
The event also saw participation from leading oncologists, who highlighted that cancer survival rates have significantly improved across all age groups, especially with early detection and advanced treatment. They emphasized that initiatives like ‘CanWin’ play a vital role in supporting emotional recovery and improving quality of life of patients and survivors at every stage of treatment.
Through monthly gatherings, storytelling therapy, survivor-led workshops, expert Q&As, and volunteering opportunities, ‘CanWin’, initiative aims to build a vibrant community grounded in empathy, resilience, and shared experience.