Tata Mumbai Marathon: They beat cancer, and now they run to inspire
Neha Ram, 33, was in Class IX when she was diagnosed with blood cancer. Persistent fever, weakness and financial constraints made treatment a daunting challenge, but the Patna native — now settled in Mumbai — faced the disease with resilience and optimism. Like her, 30-year-old Anup Dhuria, a cancer survivor from Ayodhya who now lives in Mumbai, chose hope over despair.
On Sunday (January 18), the two took to the stage at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, participating in the Dream Run (Run in Costume) category to celebrate sporting legends and raise awareness about cancer.
“It was sometime in 2005 when doctors diagnosed me with blood cancer (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). My parents went through their own stress as we faced financial difficulties but their love and support never wavered. This journey has taught me to stay strong and positive and with hope, survival is possible,” said Neha, who is currently pursuing her graduation while working in Mumbai.
Anup, a commercial artist, recalled being diagnosed with blood cancer at the age of 12. “My body had become very sick. But soon I learned that I had to be patient and also happy,” he said.
The duo appeared together on stage for the Run in Costume event. While Neha was dressed as Rani Laxmibai — sword and shield in hand — symbolically battling cancer, Anup wore a crab costume representing the disease.
For over five decades, the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) has worked to bridge critical gaps in cancer care with compassion, credibility and commitment. The organisation provides holistic, long-term support addressing both medical and non-medical needs, including financial assistance for treatment, nutritional support, counselling for patients and caregivers, prostheses, rehabilitation aids and end-of-life care.
A visible symbol of CPAA’s sustained commitment is its uninterrupted participation in the Tata Mumbai Marathon since 2004. Through the platform, CPAA has mobilised thousands of runners, donors, volunteers and corporate partners to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients.
“For CPAA, the marathon is far more than a race — it is a movement that brings together changemakers who run with purpose and act with heart,” said Alka Sapru Bisen, CEO, Cancer Patients Aid Association.
From Pune, several cancer survivors participated in the full and half marathon events. Among them was Sonia Soman, 52, an IT professional who runs a software product firm. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 31, Soman took up endurance running after completing her treatment.
Having previously run multiple 10-kilometre races, she completed her sixth half marathon (21.07 km) in 2 hours and 55 minutes at the event. Veteran Ironman Kaustubh Radkar, who coached several athletes including Soman, wrote on social media that “when preparation is honest, the body and mind respond even on the toughest days.”
For Soman, life has been about taking things one day at a time. “I decided to start running at the age of 41 to celebrate ten years in remission. At one point, I was told about the potential side effects of my medication which could affect lung power, so I chose to take up endurance running. Later, I trained with Coach Radkar who explained the importance of recognizing one’s limits and not pushing too far. Of course, this was all after checking my health parameters. What has also helped me is staying positive and maintaining regular exercise,” she said.
Anuradha Mascarenhas is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a career spanning... Read More
