Do you know that 2 lakh children in India are born with heart diseases per year? or 74,000 children are diagnosed to have some type of pediatric cancers per year? There is a perception among a section of parents with such sick children that their children's diseases are terminal and they cannot survive, hence going for treatments would be futile.

Dr.  Kalyanasundaram, Pediatric Cardiology consultant and Dr.Ajith, a Pediatric Oncology consultant of G.Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital in Coimbatore shared on Monday that if these children are given timely and quality care, at least around 80% of them can have a normal life.

In order to create awareness about this and also to support kids with these issues, G.Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital, Coimbatore - a leading multispeciality, teritiary care hospital,  is organizing a marathon called Run for Little Hearts here in the city on September 29th Sunday near Mani Higher Secondary School at 5.30 a.m.

This is the second edition of this paid-marathon event that is recognized and approved by Coimbatore District Athletic Association. It was held first in 2023 and it had a participation of 2000. With the funds raised from organizing this marathon, 29 children with heart defects and cancers were treated, and high quality care was provided to them.

Hence if more people could participate in the marathon’s 2nd edition, it would help raise more funds that would eventually help more number of kids with heart issues and cancers.

“What all of us can do together for these children is more important. This marathon is an opportunity for each one of us to step up. The funds we raise will directly go to covering the cost of life-saving surgeries and cancer treatment for children, whose families otherwise could not afford them,” said Dr.Ragupathy Veluswamy, CEO of G.Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital during the launch of the T-shirts for the marathon.

 “These children deserve a future; they deserve a chance to run, play and dream just like any other child. Your participation makes an immediate impact. You are not just contributing to a cause, you are giving a child a future and you are giving a family hope,” he added.

There are 3 categories in the marathon for participants to choose.  1&3 kms, 5kms and 10 kms. The total cash prize (for winners of 5 and 10 kms) is Rs.75,000. The event is supported by LMW, Lakshmi Mills Co.Ltd and Lakshmi Card Clothing. All participants will get a T-Shirt, Chest Bib (Runner no.) prior to the marathon, and at the end of the event,  a Medal, participation certificate and of course, a nourishing breakfast.

Don't forget the date - it is September 29th. You may ask 'Why September 29th?'. This day is observed as World Heart Day and the month is also considered as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To know about the registration, click here.  


Photos by David Karunakaran.S