On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) 2026, observed on February 15 under the theme “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change” led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) visited the Kapur Paediatric Ward at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Bengaluru on a bright Thursday morning of Mar 5 th 2026.

During the visit, FKCA provided chemotherapy drugs and essential supportive medicines to assist in the life-saving treatment of children battling cancer, bringing hope and relief to their families during a challenging time.

Dr. Arun Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatric Oncology at KMIO, appreciated the noble gesture and briefed the visiting team about the nature of cases currently being treated in the ward. He also shared that the hospital administration is planning to establish Kidwai cancer care centres in different states, which would help patients receive treatment closer to their homes and avoid the additional expenses and hardships involved in travelling long distances for care. The initiative was carried out smoothly with the cooperation of hospital authorities and volunteers. The support extended by FKCA will benefit two young patients - Master Ishaan and Master Chiranth, both aged seven. As they are not eligible for certain state government grants, they depend largely on donors and charitable contributions for their treatment.

The FKCA team also expressed its commitment to continue similar initiatives in the future and has already pledged a second round of medication support within the next week or two. FKCA extends heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who came forward without hesitation and contributed towards this cause, helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), established in 1973, is an autonomous institution under the Government of Karnataka and one of India’s premier cancer treatment and research centres, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a government-run specialised cancer hospital that serves patients from across Karnataka and several other states. Kidwai focuses on comprehensive cancer care including diagnosis, treatment, research, and training. FKCA Chairman Anthony Gonsalves and office bearers were accompanied by representatives of member associations - Koncab Bangalore, Konkani Samudai Jayanagar, BKCS Koramangala, IKK Indiranagar, and KCWA RT Nagar.