Our Story – Helping Hands

ABOUT US

Because every child deserves a chance—at health, at hope, and at a future tomorrow

Helping Hands Foundation is a community-led,
registered NGO
(Section 8 company, Registration No. U85191UP2015NPL073710)
based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

We support children battling cancer—offering them dignity, care, and comfort through their most difficult journey. We also educate underserved children from slum communities, driven by the belief that every child has potential. By enrolling them in schools and covering all educational needs, we empower them to shape a better future.

Our Vision

A future where no child fights alone—for health or for education. Where a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean indignity. Where slum-born children have the same right to a classroom as any other child. Because for us, dignity, care, and opportunity aren’t optional.

Mission

To create opportunity and hope for every child. We don’t wait for a cry in distress, we just go where the need is. We believe every child, regardless of illness or circumstance, deserves a real chance at childhood.

OUR HISTORY

We Didn’t Start with a Plan. We Started with Pain

Some Kids Fight Cancer Without Even Having a Bed. Others Grow Up Without Knowing What a School Looks Like.

Jan 2014
2016
2022
2023
2025
2028

Cancer Ward at KGMU

Jan 2014

During a visit to the Pediatric Cancer Ward at KGMU, the team witnessed heartbreaking conditions: 80-100 children packed into just 28 beds, with 4-6 children sharing a single bed-many accompanied by their families. This moment sparked a mission “One Child, One Bed.

Dream Realized

2016

Two dedicated pediatric cancer care floors were constructed and donated to KGMU, bringing the “One Child, One Bed” vision to life. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Akhilesh Yadav and Smt. Dimple Yadav, the 54-bed facility included patient wards, doctor chambers, play zones, an emergency unit, and nurse stations—offering young cancer patients a space of care, dignity, and healing.

Healing Through Learning

2022

To ensure no child’s education is paused by illness, we launched an in-hospital learning initiative at KGMU’s Pediatric Cancer Ward. This program helps young patients stay connected to their studies and regain confidence when they return to school.

Building Future

2023

This year marked the birth of our Education Initiative — a bold step to rewrite the destinies of underserved children. With mainstream education as their right, not a privilege, we enrolled the first 55 girls from slum communities into Prerna School, offering them more than just classrooms — offering hope, identity, and a fighting chance.

Expanding Horizons

2025

This year, our education initiative grew stronger and more inclusive as we welcomed boys into the fold. A transformative partnership with Prayas School enabled us to enroll 100 new students—bringing the total to over 300 children under our care. With this leap, Helping Hands reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing every child’s right to learn, dream, and thrive.

A Vision for Change

2028

We now set our sights on an ambitious goal: to empower 1,000 children through education in the next three years.

Everyday we ensure…

Dignity in Cancer Care

We don’t just help children fight cancer-we make sure they fight with comfort, care, and dignity throughout every stage of their treatment. From individual hospital beds to emotional support programs, we fill the gaps as needed.

Moments of Joy, Even in Pain

From birthday celebrations and magic shows to bedside storytelling — we create joyful moments that lift spirits during treatment. We also bring learning to hospital beds, helping children stay connected to education even while they heal.

Emergency Response

When families hit dead ends — whether it’s paying for urgent medical tests or buying the first school bag – we step in. No red tape. No waiting. Just action.

Access to Education

We find children who’ve never seen a classroom and make sure school becomes part of their story — covering everything from admission to uniforms to books, and motivating them to complete their educational journey successfully.