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