When darkness seems overwhelming, even the smallest ray of light can reignite hope. Maheka Mirpuri’s deep commitment to aiding those touched by the scourge of cancer seeks to be that guiding light—a silver lining for those who have lost faith in the face of despair. Through her heartfelt initiative, Move for Cancer Awareness (MCan), Maheka strives to bring comfort and support to those navigating the toughest battles of their lives.

MCan was born from Maheka’s personal grief, having witnessed the devastating loss of her father and brother-in-law to cancer within the span of a single year. This profound loss ignited her resolve to make a difference. Established in 2013 in partnership with the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), MCan focuses on raising funds and providing critical financial aid to those battling head and neck cancers—a relentless disease that affects millions of Indians every year. TMH, a beacon of hope itself, is a pioneer in cancer research, treatment, and education, offering high-quality care at no cost to nearly 60% of its general ward patients. Together, MCan and TMH have tirelessly worked to alleviate the financial burdens faced by those less fortunate, ensuring that no one is left to fight alone.

MCan’s mission is brought to life through memorable fundraisers, each event a testament to the power of community and compassion. These events, graced by luminaries such as Boman Irani, Anil Kapoor, and Karan Johar, serve not only as a means to raise funds but as a celebration of resilience, kindness, and the enduring human spirit. The impact of these efforts is profound—over the past decade, MCan has raised an extraordinary INR 9,51,00,000,00, directly aiding more than 2,500 cancer patients in their fight for survival.

MCAN Foundation- More than a decade of hope and healing

The Mcan Foundation has raised and handed over to Tata Memorial Hospital 7 Crores 56 Lacs and 96 Thousand, in these last 9 years since its inception. To date over 1500 patients have benefited through this initiative..
This charitable foundation has been established with the single minded purpose of enriching the human experience with hope, strength and joy & help patients who are not only dejected from medication and hospitalization, but also aware that their life span is decreasing.

2024 -MCan

The 12th Annual MCAN Charity Gala, hosted by Maheka Mirpuri in partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital, was an evening defined by warmth, generosity, and a shared commitment to change. For over a decade, Maheka’s unwavering dedication to cancer care has been powered by her compassion and determination, and this year’s 2024 gala proved to be another milestone, raising an impressive â‚č2,25,79,000 to aid under privileged cancer patients through Tata Memorial Hospital.

2022 - Can Celebrate

The 10th Edition of MCan’s annual Fundraiser Gala, "Can Celebrate," marked a decade of giving back and supporting those affected by cancer. This year’s event was a celebration of progress and resilience, highlighting the significant impact of past efforts. With over â‚č7.5 crores raised and support for more than 2,500 patients, the gala emphasized the importance of coming together to celebrate achievements and continue the fight against cancer. The event included fine dining, live entertainment, and an auction, aiming to further uplift and support those in need.

2021 - Can Dream

In its ninth year, MCan’s "Can Dream" gala continued to support Tata Memorial Hospital amid ongoing challenges. This year’s theme centered on fulfilling dreams and the value of life, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event called for generous support to help cancer patients and emphasized the power of unity in realizing a cancer-free world. The message was one of hope and the importance of dreaming big, with gratitude for the continued support and dedication of donors.

2020 - Can Change

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the eighth edition of the MCan gala, "Can Change," was held online. The event adapted to the new reality, using digital platforms to reach supporters and raise funds. The message focused on the power of change, urging people to contribute to the cause and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. The event reaffirmed Maheka Mirpuri’s commitment to fighting cancer and highlighted the ability to adapt and persevere even in difficult times.

2019 - Can Cherish

The seventh edition, "Can Cherish," marked a significant milestone for MCan, reflecting the growth and impact of the foundation over the years. The event showcased the progress from raising â‚č35 lakhs in its first year to over â‚č1.45 crores in 2018. With a total of â‚č4.92 crores raised and used for patient support, "Can Cherish" emphasized the importance of compassion and generosity in transforming lives. The fundraiser included a charity auction and live performances, continuing the tradition of blending glamour with giving.

2018 - I Believe

The sixth edition of the MCan charity gala, "I Believe," was themed around empowering patients to evoke their inner fighter. This year’s event was dedicated to reinforcing hope and strength for those battling head and neck cancers. All proceeds went towards supporting treatment and care at Tata Memorial Hospital. The gala celebrated the power of belief and the collective push to inspire and uplift patients facing their toughest battles.

2017 - Can Fly

The 2017 fundraiser, "Can Fly," underscored the importance of collective effort in overcoming challenges. With the support of generous donors, MCan continued to provide financial assistance to those battling cancer. The message emphasized that while we may not be able to help everyone, each contribution could significantly impact the lives of those in need. The event urged everyone to come together for the noble cause, reflecting the belief that small acts, when multiplied, can transform the world.

2016 - CANSURVIVE

In 2016, the fourth installment of MCan’s charity gala, "CANSURVIVE," focused on celebrating Indian regalia through a festive line inspired by a magical haveli in Jaipur. The collection combined traditional chikankari, zardozi, and intricate mirror work with vibrant colors, creating a blend of contemporary and classic couture. This event marked a moving storytelling experience through fashion, aiming to elevate the fight against cancer with hope and elegance.

2015 - Shout of Wilderness

The 2015 gala, themed "Shout of Wilderness," celebrated a special collection inspired by avian creatures and animalistic fashion. Maheka Mirpuri's collection, featuring antiquated gold zardozi tilla work in the shape of bird feathers, offered a dramatic yet stylish interpretation of femininity. With support from prominent personalities and the auction of unique items, the event raised substantial funds, furthering MCan's mission to support underprivileged cancer patients. This special collection told a story of breaking free and flying high, embodying a flight of hope from darkness to light.

2014 - Move for Cancer Awareness

In the spirit of Diwali, a time to illuminate lives, we urged everyone to extend their hands into the darkness and pull another into the light. While we may not be able to help everyone, each contribution—no matter how small—can make a significant difference. Together, we can turn the tide in the fight against cancer and offer hope to those who need it most.

2013 - Move for Cancer Awareness

The inception of MCan in 2013 marked the beginning of a powerful journey to combat cancer, particularly focusing on aiding those affected by Head and Neck cancers. Initiated by Maheka Mirpuri in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, MCan was dedicated to providing financial assistance to underprivileged patients. The foundation’s mission extended beyond raising funds; it aimed to spread awareness about a disease that can strike without warning. MCan embodied a collective effort, driven by the belief that with heart and determination, a cancer-free world is within reach. As the saying goes, “In the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.”