Vivek Anand Oberoi has helped more 2,50,000 underprivileged children fighting cancer over the past 18 years
It was in 2004 that Vivek Anand Oberoi joined hands with the Cancer Patients Aid Association, when he came up with a novel idea of celebrating his birthday with children fighting cancer. To cheer them up, he invited cancer survivors who he refers to as ‘angels’. These survivors inspired the other children emotionally to fight the cancer. Seeing the difference in the health of the children who felt hopeful and inspired to win against the disease, he hosts birthday parties with them till date. He also holds magic shows and screens movies to motivate them to combat the disease.
In the past 18 years, Vivek has helped more than 250,000 underprivileged children both emotionally and financially to fight cancer. As he looks back at his journey with young cancer patients, Vivek says, “I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to meet these angels and help them to the best of my ability. The smile on their faces and the twinkle in their eyes only motivate me to keep being there for them. I urge everyone to come forward and help these children lead a life which is not very different from other children. In the past 18 years, my greatest achievements are having been able to help more than 250,000 poor children from farmer families in rural India help them fight cancer, financially and emotionally. I refuse to call them patients because they are truly some of the bravest children. At the age of 7 and 8, they have the courage to fight cancer. That’s why I call them fighters.”
On World Cancer Day today, the actor took to social media to share a moving video to thank young cancer survivors for setting an example and inspiring little fighters. The montage gives a glimpse of him sharing emotional moments with them.