Hyderabad, April 16,2019: To raise awareness on early detection of eye cancer (Retinoblastoma) in children, L V Prasad Eye institute (LVPEI) is organizing the second edition of 'WHITATHON'Run on Mayl9to commemorate the World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week that will be observed from May 13-19, 2019.VVS Laxman, Tom Moody, Yusuf Pathan and Siddharth Kaul from SunRisers Hyderabad, the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, unveiled the Whitathon T-shirt today, while the Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Sri Anjani Kumar unveiled the Whitathon medal.
Last year, LVPEI treated 1147 cases of retinoblastoma free of cost, thanks to the funds raised through their first edition of Whitathon. This year over 5000 participants are expected. "Let no child die of eye cancer because of lack of awareness and treatment," said WS Laxman - the official brand ambassador of Whitathon 2019.
The Run will be flagged off from People's Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, Telangana at 6 AM. The funds raised from the Whitathon Run will be utilized for treating poor children suffering from Retinoblastoma free of cost, and to provide resources for future research to explore new treatment options for this alarming disease.
Details on the Run categories and registration fee:
3K Fun Run -500
5K (Timed Run) - 750
10K (Timed Run) - 900
To register log on to: https://www.ifinish.in/event details/Whitathon 2019
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.
