Operation UpLift: A Personalized Approach to Supporting Pediatric Cancer Patients

Operation UpLift is Aid2Day’s newly launched program designed to support individual pediatric cancer patients through personalized gifts. The initiative was created in response to a gap observed in existing support efforts, many of which offer generalized assistance instead of  reflecting a child’s personal interests or needs. Operation UpLift aims to close this gap by prioritizing intentional, one-on-one support tailored to each specific patient. Furthermore, by customizing support based on each child’s unique preferences, the program ensures that patients are seen as individuals rather than defined by their diagnosis.

This initiative is being led by Kavya Ambati and Heera Santhosh, with additional support from the organization’s Events and Programs Department. Together, they are developing an adaptable model that allows the program to respond thoughtfully to each participant while maintaining a meaningful level of care.

Operation UpLift is dedicated in honor of 18-year old cheerleader Daria Gebbia, who would have been the program’s first beneficiary. Although she passed away before the official launch, previous advocacy work with her family – specifically efforts focused on improving mental health care during treatment – continues to shape the program’s values. Daria’s story serves as the foundation of Operation UpLift, reminding us why individualized support matters. That same belief now guides the program as it reaches its first beneficiaries. Amongst the first participants is Manraj Hans, a five-year-old in the United Kingdom diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), whose experience reflects the motivation and compassion behind the initiative. An active and curious child, Manraj’s journey introduces us to the resilience and spirit that programs like this aim to support.

Beyond gift-giving, Operation UpLift’s programming for the year includes a range of initiatives aimed at promoting broader education and engagement around pediatric cancer. Planned efforts include fundraising events, sponsorship opportunities, panels and interviews with pediatric oncologists, and advocacy workshops for students interested in pediatric cancer. Moreover, these activities are intended to both help sustain the program, while addressing its goals through donations and awareness, ultimately fostering a more informed and empowered community dedicated to improving the lives of young patients and their families. 

Rather than focusing on serving a specific number of patients, Operation UpLift emphasizes quality over quantity. Success is defined by how thoughtfully and meaningfully each child’s wishes are fulfilled. Overall, through its emphasis on personalization and intentional care, Operation UpLift offers a distinct approach to supporting pediatric cancer patients: one that centers individual stories and meaningful impact.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Manraj and his father in an interview, which provided meaningful insight into their experience navigating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Through our conversation, I gained a deeper understanding of the resilience, support systems, and small joys that helped them through treatment, as well as the importance of community, encouragement, and celebrating milestones along the way. Below, you will find a transcription of the interview. I hope that by sharing their story, you gain a more profound appreciation for the small strengths behind the diagnosis and feel inspired to join us in building the supportive networks that make these difficult journeys a little lighter for every family.

1. Are there any things such as games, activities, or hobbies that bring Manraj support or comfort or joy? 

Manraj finds joy and comfort in a variety of activities. He loves football (soccer) and plays for his school team, attending regular training sessions. He also enjoys video games, especially Mario Kart, which he tried for the first time over Christmas at his cousins houses and loved. Creative at heart, he spends time crafting and painting. Lately, he has become fascinated with engineering, inspired by watching Mark Rober’s show for kids, and he even said he wants to become an engineer when he grows up.

2. What helps keep Manraj motivated or encouraged during treatment?

Even during treatment, there were small things that kept Manraj motivated. The hospital would have bravery boxes, so after going through something challenging like taking medicine or undergoing a procedure, he could pick something from the box or go to a toy store. It helped shift his focus and gave him something to look forward to. Now, during his regular monthly checkups, he still has little rewards to make the visits enjoyable. He loves going to the gift shop, and he always stops by the bakery to get a fresh croissant from Marks and Spencer’s, which has become a special treat for him.

3. Are there any people outside of your family that have made a positive impact on Manraj’s life?

Outside of the family, several people have had a positive impact on Manraj’s life. His consultant nurse at the hospital has been a great support, and he has longtime friends (Josh and Yuvie) who have been with him since they were babies, supporting him throughout his journey. At school, his football teammates have also been incredibly supportive. They include him in training and games, ensuring his situation doesn’t keep him from participating. Manraj is part of a close-knit group of 12 boys who play regularly, and with some extra practice at home, he keeps up and enjoys being part of the team. These friendships have helped him stay involved in normal activities he loves and given him a sense of belonging and support.

4. What drew you to participate in Operation Uplift and how did it impact you? 

We were drawn to participate in Operation Uplift because we’ve always tried to share Manraj’s journey, not only to help ourselves reflect and cope, but also to raise awareness and support others going through similar experiences. Through our hospital and consultant nurse, we have connected with several charities that provide special experiences for children, like trips to see Santa at Lapland or Christmas gift boxes with things they love. When Aid2Day reached out to see if we’d be interested in Operation Uplift, we were happy to participate. It’s been meaningful to connect with others just starting their journey, share what has helped us cope, and see how the community comes together to support families.

5. What advice would you give to individuals or organizations who want to support pediatric cancer patients in a thoughtful and meaningful way?

To be honest, I don’t think there’s enough openness around these experiences, especially in some communities or cultures where people feel the need to hide it. That can make dealing with something so big feel very isolating. When you connect with others who have gone through similar experiences, it helps you realize you’re not alone, and you can learn from each other. Slowly, things are becoming more open, and I would definitely encourage people to share their stories and experiences, as there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Life can be challenging, and sharing your story raises awareness and supports others. Some people may prefer to listen rather than share, and that’s okay too. The key is to be honest, ask questions, and respect how much someone is willing to be involved. We’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it is to both follow others’ journeys and have our story followed, and we hope that by being open, we can help others share, learn, and feel supported.

6. Looking ahead, are there any hopes or goals that you guys carry going forward?

The most important thing for us is that the cancer doesn’t come back, so we focus on doing as much as we can in the present rather than worrying too far ahead. We encourage Manraj to try new things and explore his interests. For example, he’s doing really well with swimming, playing football, keeping up with his studies, and still nurturing his creative side with crafts. We’ve also started setting goals together for the year instead of resolutions. For example, Manraj’s goals include scoring a goal in a football match and moving up to the next phase in swimming, while I’ve set goals to increase my swimming distance. Focusing on achievable, meaningful goals helps him stay motivated and enjoy life to the fullest.

Manraj and his father’s journey shows that strength isn’t just about fighting illness – it’s about the support, joy, and community that make the journey bearable. Their story reminds us of the importance of resilience, connection, and celebrating every small milestone, offering hope and inspiration to others navigating similar challenges.