Feed Children. Starve Cancer.
Every year, approximately 76,000 children in India may develop cancer, with 40% of them being severely malnourished at the time of diagnosis. For these children, nutrition can mean the difference between life and death. Every child deserves a chance at a cure, and we are here to make that happen.
At Cuddles Foundation, we partner with over 40 government and charity cancer hospitals to support children through our FoodHeals program. Our mission is to ensure that children undergoing cancer therapy receive comprehensive nutritional support. This includes access to trained clinical pediatric nutritionists, expert dietary counsel, supplements, hot meals, monthly ration baskets, and caregiver support. Good food helps the medicine work!
This multi-pronged approach tackles a simple but often ignored aspect of a child’s successful recovery from cancer. While undergoing treatment, it is essential that children have freshly prepared, nutritious food in sufficient quantity and don't stay hungry for long periods. The impact of our work is evident. When part of the FoodHeals Program, 82%* of patients improved or maintained their nutritional status, despite cancer therapy like chemotherapy or radiation.
Additionally, 96% of children followed up* on their treatment plan when nutrition was a part of it, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness. Besides the love and affection of our patients, their families, and our supporters, we’ve won some prestigious awards along the way. This includes the National Award for Child Welfare (2015-16), the Akshaya Patra and UN Global Compact Award (2018) and most recently we received the Global CSR & ESG Awards 2024 - Top 10 Best NGOs of the Year (2024).
Join us in our mission to nourish hope and fight childhood cancer. Your support can make a world of difference.
*As per Cuddles annual impact statistics 2023-24
*Follow-up treatment rate: Patients who returned for a second visit or continued treatment when nutrition was a part of it.