Mumbai Marathon 2018 | 5 thalassemia patients run to create awareness

Five thalassemia major patients participated in the Tata Mumbai Marathon with an aim to create awareness on thalassemia and their dependency on blood donation. According to the patients, they want the government to consider the amount of money involved to get treatment and develop new schemes for them.

Pankaj Sethi, 31, a resident of Vashi and thalassemia major patient, said, “Our main aim of participating in the dream run of Mumbai Marathon was to create awareness among the citizens on thalassemia and acceptance from the society. The government should support us. Thalassemia patients have different challenges in life. Per month, a patient needs to spend at least Rs 30,000-35,000 for their treatment and it is a lifetime medical problem for us.”

Adding more information, Sanjeeta Wadhwa, 40, another thalassemia major patient, said, “Not many people are aware of it. At least four units of blood are needed per month. And we are dependent on other people’s blood. We want people to try and donate as much blood as possible.”

MONEY TRAIL

Isha Gulati along with her sisters - Malini and Saanya are once again raising funds with for Thalassemia children. They have raised over Rs11.5 lakhs for Think Foundation. They raise funds because they lost two family members to Thalassemia Major.