The Sixth Edition of the WHITATHON RUN will be organized on 19th May 2024 Sunday. Location: Will be announced shortly.

Whitathon Run is L V Prasad Eye Institute's annual cause-related event, supported by Hyderabad Runners. The goal is to raise awareness and funds for early diagnosis and treatment of Retinoblastoma, a life-threatening eye cancer in children. 

One of the most common symptoms of Retinoblastoma is a White Reflex (white glow) in a child’s eye. Through this run we want to raise awareness among the public that if they spot a ‘White Reflex’ in a child’s eye, it could be a sign of eye cancer that needs immediate medical intervention. The funds raised through this run help us provide free treatment to children from underprivileged families with retinoblastoma. 

The inaugural edition of this event was organized in 2018, and ever since, the community of runners, supporters, and enthusiasts has grown leaps and bounds. Through the funds we raised, we've provided free treatment to many underprivileged children diagnosed with retinoblastoma. This is a costly and prolonged treatment. Furthermore, the funds raised also enabled us to conduct research into novel treatment options for this alarming disease. 

Why awareness is needed: 

• Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) most commonly affects children below 3 years (90%). 
• 20 to 25% of cases of eye cancer worldwide in children are from India. 50% of cases worldwide lose their lives due to late detection and inadequate treatment. 
• Retinoblastoma is curable if the tumour is detected and treated early; saving the child's life, eye, and vision. 
• Over the past decade, LVPEI has treated more than 2500 patients with retinoblastoma eye cancer. 
• Though it was possible to save the child's life in 90% of the cases, the eyesight of the child could be saved in only 45% of the cases, the reason being the late presentation of the case. 
• Hence, it is important to raise awareness about the common symptoms of retinoblastoma in children and educate the public (especially young parents) on the importance of seeking timely medical care. 

 Why funds are needed: 

• Retinoblastoma treatment plans are expensive and long. 
• Over 60 to 65% of these patients cannot afford the cost of treatment.

· Thanks to the funds received from such cause-related events and donations, LVPEI can provide free treatment to children from underprivileged families. 

We look forward to having you aboard as a Whitathon runner! 

Participate with your family and friends and make this a special experience not only for yourself but also for the many young retinoblastoma children who will benefit from it. Our collective efforts will ensure a better childhood for our young retinoblastoma patients and their families.