Run raises awareness on Retinoblastoma

Hyderabad: To raise awareness on early detection of eye cancer (Retinoblastoma) in children, L V Prasad Eye institute (LVPEI) organied the second edition of 'WHITATHON' Run on Sunday to commemorate the World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week that was observed from May 13 to 19.

Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ESL Narasimhan, and Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar flagged off the unique run for a cause at the People's Plaza.

Last year, LVPEI treated 1,147 cases of Retinoblastoma free of cost, thanks to the funds raised through their first edition of Whitathon. This year over 3500 participants came forward to support the cause.

The funds raised from the Whitathon Run will be utilized for treating poor children suffering from Retinoblastoma eye cancer free of cost, and to provide resources for future research to explore new treatment options for this alarming disease.

Retinoblastoma is one of the rarer cancers prevalent today and most commonly (90%) affects children below 3 years of age. Over the past decade, LVPEI has treated more than 2000 patients with retinoblastoma eye cancer.

Over 60 to 65% of these patients cannot afford the expense of the treatment, and LVPEI subsidizes it at no cost to the poor patient's family. LVPEI treats 150 to 200 new cases every year, of which 40% are in late stages and 10% are in very late stages.

Speaking before flagging off, of the run, the Governor said, "'I care for your eye care' is the theme of this laudable initiative launched by LV Prasad Eye Institute. The Whitathon Run is to promote awareness in parents to ensure that this ailment is detected and treated in the very early stages. This is a wonderful initiative and appreciate LV Prasad Eye Institute for launching this.

My request to all the healthcare organisations is to take a cue from this and launch similar initiatives, so that we can raise the general awakening about all the health problems practically from birth to death. If people become aware and conscious of diseases, the diseases can be detected and prevented at an early stage."

Narasimhan urged the participants to limit their efforts to participating in this run today, but to take the message about the ailment and spread it, so that several more would get to know about it.

Anjani Kumar appreciated the initiative of LVPEI. "The presence of participants in such large numbers conveys the message to the entire city, the importance of having awareness about health ailments, early detection of such ailments and to lead a healthy life.

Hyderabad is one of the safest cities in India and with such initiative it will become one of the healthiest cities in the country. I thank all the participants for coming in such large numbers and contributing to this noble cause," he said on the occasion.