Media Release
Udupi, Sep 22: In a landmark event for the state of Karnataka, the historic Bell Tower of Our Lady of Fatima was illuminated for the very first time in its history for a public awareness campaign. In a moment of immense pride and honor, this inaugural lighting was dedicated to shining a global spotlight on international childhood cancer awareness month. Bathed in a brilliant golden glow, the revered monument has become a powerful new symbol of hope for young cancer warriors worldwide.
This prestigious event marks a pivotal moment, signifying a growing global movement where heritage structures and communities unite for a common, critical cause. The golden light represents the "Go Gold®" campaign for childhood cancer, a cause that demands urgent attention. While 70–90% of childhood cancers are curable in many parts of the world, India's survival rate is tragically low at 40–45%, largely due to a lack of awareness and timely support. This historic illumination is a resounding call to action to bridge that gap.
The initiative was spearheaded by Access Life Assistance Foundation, an award-winning NGO dedicated to providing holistic support to families of children undergoing cancer treatment. Founded in 2014 by Girish Nair and Ankeet Dave, Access Life provides completely free accommodation, nutrition, counseling, and educational support across its 11 centers in India. The local Access Life MAHE Manipal Centre, a collaboration with MAHE and supported by the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation, has supported 96 families since its inception in 2022.
Ankeet Dave, founder of Access Life Assistance Foundation, said, “I feel immense pride that across the country, Access Life is doing these golden lighting events on various monuments and key structures that people love. It is a true honor to have this special place also get the golden lighting for awareness. We are so thankful to all the kind staff who supported us, our hospital team, and our incredible volunteers, Fr Vishal Lobo and supporters for coming together to make this possible.”
This golden illumination is more than a local event; it is a promise to every child battling cancer that they are not alone. Access Life Assistance Foundation invites everyone to join this growing movement of hope and contribute to the cause.