Nearly
12 years ago, Ankeet Dave and Girish Nair witnessed a reality that exposed one
of the most overlooked gaps in India’s healthcare system. Outside major cancer
hospitals in Mumbai, families of children undergoing treatment were sleeping on
footpaths and outside hospital gates because they could not afford
accommodation in the city while their child received treatment.
For
many families travelling from remote towns and villages, the cost of staying
near a hospital quietly became a reason treatment was delayed or discontinued
altogether.
That
experience led to the creation of Access Life India a not-for-profit organization dedicated to
ensuring that no child fighting cancer has to battle homelessness alongside
illness.
Before
founding Access Life, both Ankeet Dave and Girish Nair spent nearly two decades
volunteering with hospitals and other non-profit organizations, closely
understanding the emotional and financial challenges families face during
medical treatment. Eventually, both founders left their corporate careers to
dedicate themselves fully to the cause.
In
the early years, sustaining the organization came with immense personal
sacrifice. Girish Nair sold his house in Pune to help create a corpus fund and
support the organization during its formative years. That decision reflected
the deep commitment behind Access Life’s mission building not just shelter, but
dignity and stability for vulnerable families.
Today,
Access Life operates 13 centres across 10 cities in India, including Mumbai,
Pune, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Manipal, Coimbatore, Madurai, Silchar,
and Noida. The centres provide free, safe, and hygienic accommodation near
major cancer hospitals for children undergoing treatment and their caregivers.
At
any given time, the organization supports over 218 families, impacting nearly
654 beneficiaries. Over the last 12 years, Access Life has supported more than
3,500 families and impacted over 10,500+ beneficiaries across India.
The
organization’s support extends beyond accommodation. Families also receive
nutritional support, counseling, educational assistance for children,
transportation support, and emotional care during treatment. Access Life
focuses on creating a supportive environment where children can continue
learning, celebrate festivals, and experience moments of normal childhood
despite difficult circumstances.
Over
the years, Access Life has earned the trust of hospitals, volunteers, donors,
corporate partners, and philanthropic foundations through its transparent and
compassionate model of care. The organization is registered under 80G, 12A,
CSR-1, and FCRA certifications, enabling support from both Indian and
international contributors.
Its
mission has been supported by organizations including Azim Premji Foundation,
Larsen & Toubro, United Way, Kotak Securities, Rotary Club of Queen’s
Necklace, and several CSR and multinational partners.
As
Access Life approaches its 12-year milestone this June, the organization
continues to expand with upcoming centres planned in Manipal and
Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to support even more families across India.
For
Ankeet Dave and Girish Nair, the mission remains simple — ensuring that
families fighting childhood cancer receive not only medical support, but also
safety, dignity, and hope.
Learn
more: https://linktr.ee/AccessLifeIndia
Website: https://donation.accesslife.org/home
Call
/ WhatsApp for a visit, volunteering, donation: 8080222377
.jpeg)
