“Run/Ride for SMA” set to take roads on August 4 at Gachibowli Stadium
HYDERABAD: The Cure SMA India foundation is set host the second edition of the “Run/Ride for SMA” at 6 AM on this August 4 at Gachibowli Stadium. Cure SMA is non-profit organization, which creates and raises awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a rare genetic disease. This disease has the carrier frequency of every 1 in 38 people.
SMA affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. It leads to muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement. Dr. Ramesh Konanki, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist at Rainbow Hospital, highlighted the prevalence of SMA in India, stating, “For every two and a half hours, one SMA-positive baby is born in India. One SMA carrier exists among 35 to 38 persons, making it a very rare disease.”
Dr. Tella Sunitha, Head of Clinical Genetics and Fetal Medicine Specialist at the Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetic Diseases, stressed the importance of preventive measures. “It is crucial for couples to undergo SMA carrier tests before marriage to prevent the occurrence of this debilitating disease,” she advised.
Event details
The “Run/Ride for SMA” event aims to raise awareness and support affected individuals and their families. Srilakshmi Nalam, Co-Founder, Trustee, and Director of Patient Advocacy at Cure SMA Foundation of India, stated, “Our NGO is dedicated to providing Family Counselling, Genetic Counselling, SMA Clinics, and Awareness activities. We aim to create an ecosystem for SMA in India and dream of an SMA-free world.”
The event will feature a 5K run and a 10K ride, open to students, youth, and the general public. Satish Pramata, Regional Coordinator (Telangana & AP) of Cure SMA Foundation of India, emphasized the importance of the awareness run. “SMA causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement, affecting activities such as crawling, walking, sitting up, and swallowing. This awareness run will help us reach out to the community and garner support for our cause.”
The organizing team, including Commandant N V Rama Rao, Mohsin Khan, Abiram, and Noor Mohammed, is working diligently to ensure the event’s success.
Event is going to happen in two categories: timed and non-timed. In timed category, 10k run and 5k run are set to take place with the price of Rs 899 and 699 respectively. In non-timed category there are three events include 10k cycling, 5k cycling, and 5k run with the prices of Rs 599 each. Registration includes a T-shirt, Medal & Breakfast.
