Marathon of Hope: Runners Take on 960 km Challenge to Support Free Palliative Care for Cancer Patients

• Runners to cover 960 km over 23 days to reach Mangalore, creating awareness on palliative care and raising funds for constructing of free Palliative Care Centre for terminally ill cancer patients
• Girish & Reshma Girish Shetty are aiming for a world record by running over 960 Kms between Mumbai to Mangalore in 23 days

Mumbai: A team of four dedicated runners—Mr. Kumar Ajwani, Mr. Haridasan Nair, Mr. Girish Shetty, and Mrs. Reshma Girish Shetty—have embarked on an extraordinary endurance run from Mumbai to Mangalore. The IDFC FIRST Bank Mumbai to Mangalore Run commenced on February 14 from Mulund, Mumbai is aimed at raising funds for the Tapasya Palliative Care Centre and spread about childhood cancer being curable. The team has crossed over 860 Kms at the end of the 20^th day on Wednesday and reached Kundapura in Karnataka.

The proceeds from the nationwide outreach will be used by Tapasya Foundation who are actively supporting paediatric cancer patients for the past five years and constructing a free Palliative Care Centre for terminally ill cancer patients, including a dedicated paediatric care facility. They will develop resources at its world-class infrastructure, spanning 60,000 square feet, will feature 51 beds, of which 25,000 square feet will be operational by April 2025. The facility will include 13 beds exclusively for paediatric cancer patients.

The husband-wife duo of Girish Shetty and Reshma Girish Shetty are attempting to set a new world record by running over 960 kilometers from Mumbai to Mangalore in 23 days, covering more than 42 kilometers daily for 22 consecutive days. Their journey will conclude in Mangalore on March 8, 2025. “We are running not just for the challenge but for a cause that is close to our hearts. Through this initiative, we want to ensure that no child suffering from cancer is left without hope and the necessary care,” said Mr. Girish Shetty.

Throughout the run, the team will engage with local communities, delivering presentations to academic and financial institutions, as well as service organisations such as Lions International, Rotary International and District Administrators. Their mission is to spread the message: “Childhood Cancer is Curable.”

In India, over 50,000 children under the age of 18 are diagnosed with cancer annually. When detected early, more than 80 percent of these children can be cured, enabling them to achieve their dreams and contribute to society. Raising awareness is crucial, as early diagnosis significantly improves cure rates while also reducing the cost of treatment.

Tapasya Foundation provides completely free palliative care to all terminally ill cancer patients, with no discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender. Staff training is conducted at Karunashraya Palliative Centre, Bangalore, with expert guidance and treatment support provided by the Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Since January 2024, Tapasya has been offering free home care services, with a dedicated vehicle visiting patients at home. Additionally, inpatient services are currently available in a temporary ward at an Ayurvedic hospital. In just eight months, they have cared for 82 patients. The Tapasya Free Palliative Care Centre will be only the second such centre in Karnataka and among the six in India. The facility will offer comprehensive support to ensure dignity and comfort for patients in the final stages of life.

To support its mission, Tapasya Foundation recently organised one of the largest beach festivals, featuring an Olympic-level triathlon, State-Level Beach Kushti, State-Level Beach Volleyball, a Food Festival, a Science Exhibition, a Krishi Mela, a Start-up Expo, and various cultural events from January 31 to February 2. This initiative, aimed at raising funds for free palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients, received full support from the District Administration, Sports Ministry, and Tourism Ministry. The event was proudly supported by IDFC FIRST Bank, reinforcing its commitment to this noble cause.