Archive · 25 May 2025
Whitathon Run Raises Awareness for Childhood Eye Cancer
Imagine a rare type of eye cancer called Retinoblastoma that mostly affects young kids.
To help fight it, a group called LVPEI organized a fun run called Whitathon.
The run's goal was to teach people about this cancer so that it can be found early.
When caught early, doctors can save kids' lives, but sometimes they can't save their eyesight.
If you see a white glow in a child's eye in a photo or notice vision problems, it's important to see an eye doctor right away.
Money raised from the run will help kids get free treatment and help scientists learn more about the disease.
LVPEI organized the seventh annual Whitathon run to raise awareness about Retinoblastoma.
The event aimed to educate parents on the symptoms of Retinoblastoma for early detection.
Retinoblastoma primarily affects children under three years of age, often due to the loss of the RB1 gene.
Funds from the run will support free treatment for underprivileged children and research.
LVPEI has provided over 3,000 free treatments and saves lives in 90% of cases, but vision is saved in only 45%.
- Who
- LVPEI organized the Whitathon run.
- What
- A run to raise awareness about early detection of Retinoblastoma.
- When
- Sunday, May 25th
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, India
- Why
- To raise awareness about Retinoblastoma and support treatment and research.
- Event Name
- Whitathon
- Organizer
- L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI)
- Purpose
- Raise awareness about Retinoblastoma
- Target Group
- Parents and the public
- Location
- Visakhapatnam
- Children Affected
- Primarily under three years old
- Treatments Provided by LVPEI
- Over 3,000 free treatments