Gurugram/New Delhi: 23rd September 2024: In an endeavor to create awareness around childhood cancers, Fortis Cancer Institute, Gurugram, and Vasant Kunj jointly organized the ‘Ride for Golden Warriors’ bike rally. Over 60 enthusiastic Harley Davidson bikers from the Harley Owners Group, Capital Chapter Delhi/NCR, participated in the rally, which aimed to highlight the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and proactive prevention strategies for childhood cancer. The event also celebrated the strength and resilience of young cancer warriors.

The rally was flagged off at 7:00 am from Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, and concluded at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Yash Rawat, Facility Director and senior clinicians from Fortis Gurugram, patients from the pediatric oncology and other pediatric specialties. The occasion also featured various activities aimed at bringing hope and joy to children battling cancer, including a flag hoisting ceremony, a special musical performance by Dr Shrinidhi Nathany, Consultant Molecular Hematologist and Oncologist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram a magic show, and a clown performance, all designed to lift the spirits of the young warriors.

Dr Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head, Paediatric Haematology, Haemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “The ‘Ride for Golden Warriors’ bike rally is a powerful initiative to raise awareness about the prevalence of childhood cancer in India, while emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and regular screenings. This rally is more than just an event—it is designed to inspire and support cancer survivors and patients, celebrating their courage and resilience. It symbolizes a movement towards building a cancer-aware society, fostering community engagement and support. ‘Ride for Golden Warriors’ embodies hope, strength, and our collective determination to defeat cancer. With the support of the Harley Owners Group, Fortis Cancer Institute is sending a powerful message in the fight against childhood cancer. Together, we ride not only to raise awareness but to envision a future where cancer is no longer a feared adversary.”

Yashpal Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “The aim behind the bike rally was to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Cancer is quite common in both developing as well as developed countries, but awareness is poor among the general population. Thus, ‘Ride for Golden Warriors’ bike rally is a manifestation of our commitment to fight the deadly disease and living healthier and being stronger. Childhood should be a time for kids to enjoy life, not a period spent fighting a challenging battle.”

Dr Gurvinder Kaur, Facility Director, Fortis Vasant Kunj said “Timely cancer detection can enhance survival rates and significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and thus help minimize the physical and emotional impact on young patients and their families. India accounts for 20% of the world’s childhood cancer burden according to the World Health Organization and most children with cancer suffer from leukemia (approximately 33%), followed by brain tumors (around 20%) and lymphomas (some 11%). ‘Ride for Golden Warriors’ is an effort to spread awareness on Early screening and Prevention which are crucial in the fight against childhood cancers.”