Poonam Bagai is a pioneering patient advocate, cancer survivor, and social impact leader who serves as the Founder and Chairperson of CanKids…KidsCan, India’s leading national organization dedicated to childhood cancer care and advocacy. She established the foundation in 2004 with a clear mission—to ensure that no child dies of cancer due to lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, or inadequate access to treatment.

Her journey into advocacy was shaped by her own experience as a colon cancer survivor, which inspired her to transform personal adversity into a nationwide movement for equitable cancer care. Under her leadership, CanKids has grown into a large, grassroots-driven organization working across the entire continuum of childhood cancer care—from early detection and treatment access to psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and survivorship programs.

Through its flagship initiatives such as the “YANA – You Are Not Alone” support model, the organization partners with hospitals, government agencies, and medical professionals to provide integrated care and ensure continuity of treatment for children and their families. CanKids today collaborates with over a hundred cancer treatment centers and supports thousands of children annually, making it one of India’s most impactful patient-support networks in oncology.

A former civil servant and global health advocate, Bagai has also contributed to national and international policy dialogues, serving on ethics committees, advisory boards, and global cancer platforms. Her work has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Karmaveer Puruskar, the Nargis Dutt Cancer Conqueror Award, and recognition as a leading woman in social impact.

Through visionary leadership and relentless advocacy, Poonam Bagai continues to champion a patient-centric, equitable healthcare ecosystem—ensuring that children with cancer in India not only survive but also receive the care, dignity, and support needed to thrive.