My name is Virika Shah. I am 16 years old and a Grade 11 student at Jamnabai Narsee International School (JNIS), Mumbai.

I have undertaken this campaign to support children who have cancer and their families with a monthly ration basket.

I have undertaken this campaign because this is a critical element in the treatment of these children who go through the difficult journey of fighting cancer. Although there are several people and organizations that sponsor the treatment of financially stressed patients, there are very few that help out with an equally important issue – "THEIR FOOD AND NUTRITION".

Children from low-income homes are often malnourished. Malnourished patients respond poorly to medical interventions such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgery, with increased episodes of toxicity, interruptions in hospital admissions, and inability to take timely chemotherapy in full doses, leading to a poor response to treatment. Overall, malnutrition increases the rate of abandonment of therapy and doubles the risk of death due to cancer.

The cost to impact a child is only INR 4500.

I’m someone who leads with empathy and strives to bring positivity into the lives of others. I care deeply about the world around me and try to approach everything I do with honesty, kindness, and determination. I’m a good listener, a hard worker, and someone who believes in lifting others up. Whether it’s through small everyday actions or larger efforts, I always try to stay grounded and give my best. I believe that compassion isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength that drives real change. I aim to live with purpose and make the world a little better, one step at a time.
I’ve taken part in meaningful projects to help those in need — from volunteering and organizing donation drives to supporting education for underprivileged children. These efforts come from the heart, not for praise, but because I believe everyone deserves love, respect, and opportunity, no matter their background or struggle.