{"id":40101,"date":"2025-05-19T09:44:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T04:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matribhumisamachar.com\/en\/?p=40101"},"modified":"2025-05-19T09:44:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T04:14:35","slug":"l-v-prasad-eye-institutes-flagship-whitathon-run-seventh-edition-to-raise-awareness-and-funds-for-retinoblastoma-treatment-held","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matribhumisamachar.com\/en\/2025\/05\/19\/l-v-prasad-eye-institutes-flagship-whitathon-run-seventh-edition-to-raise-awareness-and-funds-for-retinoblastoma-treatment-held\/","title":{"rendered":"L V Prasad Eye Institute\u2019s flagship WHITATHON Run (Seventh Edition) to Raise Awareness and Funds for Retinoblastoma Treatment, held!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hyderabad, May 18, 2025<\/strong>:\u00a0L V Prasad Eye Institute<\/strong>\u00a0(LVPEI) organized the seventh edition of \u2018WHITATHON<\/strong>\u2019 walk on May 18, to raise awareness about the early detection of\u00a0Retinoblastoma<\/strong>\u00a0(eye cancer) in children and funds for its treatment. The event commemorates the\u00a0World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week<\/strong>, observed between May 11-17, this year. The 10 K run was flagged off by\u00a0Mr Y Nagi Reddy<\/strong>, IPS, Director General – Disaster Response and Fire Services, Telangana State, at T-works, Raidurgam in the presence of\u00a0Dr Prashant Garg<\/strong>, Executive Chairman \u2013 LVPEI and\u00a0Dr Vijay Anand Reddy<\/strong>, Director of Apollo Cancer Hospital.<\/p>\n

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Dr Swathi Kaliki<\/strong>, Ocular Oncologist, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus,\u00a0, LVPEI, Hyderabad spoke on the need to create awareness of the symptoms of retinoblastoma among the public and elaborated, \u201cIt is important that we educate the public, especially young parents about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. Everyone should know that once they notice a white reflex in a child\u2019s eye, they should immediately get it examined by an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment can save the child’s life, eye, and vision.”<\/p>\n

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Mr Nagi Reddy<\/strong>\u00a0urged everyone present to spread awareness about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. He said, \u201cIf each of us share the awareness we picked up from being a part of Whitathon with the people in our circle of influence, we would make a big difference to ensure cases are detected early and treated enabling us to save vision and life.\u201d He said,\u00a0parents need to make a small effort to detect Retinoblastoma in children. We take photographs, while doing so ensure you take it with flash, if there is a white reflex in the eye, it can be suspected to be Retinoblastoma and can be got treated.<\/p>\n

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Dr Prashant Garg<\/strong>, Executive Chair,\u00a0L V Prasad Eye Institute<\/strong>; said, every child must be protected by saving the eye and life from Retinoblastoma. This disease if picked up early and treated, can help save the eye and life. No child in our city, state, or country should die because of this tumor.<\/p>\n

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Dr Vijay Anand Reddy<\/strong>, Director, Apollo Cancer Hospital; said, the dearest one in our family is our little one and it is essential for us to be aware that these innocent kids can have a deadly disease called retinoblastoma. The large gathering here today morning are the ambassadors for this cause, you can create some kind of awareness among people around you and the society, that these tumors can develop in these tiny tots and they can be treated, cured and their eyes and lives can be saved.<\/p>\n

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The 5k run was flagged off by our diamond sponsors\u00a0DSR SR Prime Spaces LLP and\u00a0Alcon Laboratories (India) Pvt Ltd and 3K run by our gold and silver sponsors National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Ltd and IDBI Ltd.<\/p>\n

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The funds raised from the Whitathon run are utilized to treat underprivileged children\u00a0suffering from Retinoblastoma at no cost, and to support future research. This year, over 1500 enthusiastic participants joined the cause, demonstrating strong community support for the event.<\/p>\n

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Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects children under three years of age.<\/p>\n

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What causes Retinoblastoma?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Loss of \u201cRB1 gene\u201d \u2013 a tumor suppressor gene whose function is to stop cells from turning cancerous.<\/p>\n

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Symptoms & Signs of Retinoblastoma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consult a trained ophthalmologist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in children:<\/p>\n