Rising India Supports Umeed KiRun Marathon(2026)

The city of Pune came alive today with energy and hope as the fourth Umeed KiRun, an initiative by the Umeed Cancer Support Forum, took place. The event was much more than just a run; it was a powerful show of support for a city determined to prove that “Life is Bigger than Cancer”. A massive crowd of survivors, patients, doctors, and volunteers gathered to break the silence around cancer and build a strong community support system.

A major highlight of the day was the launch of the Disease Buddy Program by the Rising India Research Foundation. This new initiative aims to fill the gap between medical treatment and emotional recovery by pairing patients with "buddies"—survivors and volunteers who have been through the journey themselves. These buddies will provide emotional support and practical advice to ensure no patient feels alone during their treatment.

The event was made even more special by the presence of Chief Guest Murlidhar Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. His story of overcoming huge challenges was a great inspiration to everyone and perfectly matched the spirit of the day.

With a huge turnout matching last year’s 1,300+ participants, the event felt like a large family coming together. As doctors and supporters walked alongside survivors, it was clear that the "Rising India" spirit is all about caring for one another through life’s toughest times.