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| In Conversation With Hemangi Apte On Access Life International Boston Chapter |
Nirmala Garimella
05/30/2024
An interview with Hemangi Apte, Executive Director of Access Life International Boston Chapter. Please share your background and how did you get involved? I have been professionally working as an Engineering Leader with healthcare startups for over a decade. On a personal level, I wanted to contribute to the community beyond just donating money, with a focus on helping children, who represent our future generation. A childhood friend of mine co-founded AccessLife, and I closely followed their work. After visiting the centers and meeting the children, I was convinced of the incredible impact they were making. As someone who is typically skeptical about the use of funds, I needed to be certain that this organization was worth my support. Once I was convinced of their transparency and effectiveness, it became clear that I wanted to help spread the word about their amazing work. In 2018, I became a volunteer and soon started the Boston Chapter to help raise funds for the children. Seeing firsthand the difference AccessLife makes in the lives of these kids has been profoundly rewarding, and I am committed to supporting their mission. Describe the work that is done in India AccessLife was established to support pediatric cancer patients, much like the Ronald McDonald House in the United States. Many of these patients travel from rural villages in India to big cities for treatment but often have to abandon their treatment due to a lack of accommodation. Eligible patients are referred to AccessLife by hospitals. AccessLife provides these patients and their families with a place to stay, transportation to the hospital, and holistic support during their challenging times. Annually, over 80,000 children in India are diagnosed with cancer, in stark contrast to high-income countries where the survival rate exceeds 90%. The prolonged treatments required often force families to live on the streets. Since 2014, more than 2,000 children have found refuge in AccessLife’s nine centers located in Mumbai, Pune, Manipal, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. These centers have collectively supported over 6,000 beneficiaries, offering a safe haven and the necessary resources to continue their fight against cancer. Here is a intro video Can you share a little information on the Boston chapter and the team behind it The Boston Chapter of AccessLife was established to support pediatric cancer patients and their families in India. Today, we are a dedicated team of over 10 members, with additional seasonal volunteers who assist us in organizing events and awareness drives. Over the past few years, we have organized several impactful events such as the Gold Ribbon Walk, Zakim Bridge Lighting and Galas. These events aim to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its effects in underdeveloped countries, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources. The active volunteers are Hemangi, Ira, Rashmi, Aditi, Sukanya, Neha, Sunit, Ninad, Padma, Sanika You can learn more about our initiatives and team by visiting our https://www.accesslifeamerica.org/our-chapters/boston-chapter/ What do you hope to address and how can people get involved We aim to shed light on the often-overlooked crisis of childhood cancer worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped countries like India. Despite childhood cancers being highly curable with cure rates ranging from 80% to as high as 99%, many children in these regions lack access to proper treatment and support. Through AccessLifeAmerica, we strive to support these young warriors in their journey towards a full recovery and a long, healthy life. You can get involved in various ways: by providing financial support, volunteering your time for events like galas or walks, or simply spreading the word about AccessLifeAmerica among your friends and community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these little angels and help turn their dreams of a cancer-free future into reality. Finally share some event details. link to tickets etc Event Details: Heart of Gold - ALA Annual Gala Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Annual Gala on June 14th. Learn more about our organization while enjoying a fun and relaxing atmosphere, all in support of a great cause. Date: June 14th Venue: Burlington Marriott Time: 6:30pm to 10:30pm Dress Code: Evening Chic Program Details: Ticket Price: $75 To Register for the event please visit:
https://youtu.be/m1gYhdCI48o
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