Today on the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, a blood donation camp and a picnic party was organized for the children suffering from Thalassemia by the Raven Foundation.

A blood donation camp was held at Lake City hospital from morning 9 till 2pm, followed by series of entertainment activities including movie show, games and magic show  which were organized at Lal Bagh Restaurant.

110 units of blood were donated by Udaipurites which is certainly an overwhelming response, said Dr. Deepak Babel.

A movie named “Bal Ganesha” was shown to all naughty and bubbly kids who were unfortunately also suffering from Thalassemia.

The movie show was followed by refreshment and then children started participating in many games & competitions like spoon race, dance and musical chair race.

Kids & Parents expressed feelings & experiences.

“I enjoyed the whole day. We played many games. I loved the movie and made many friends here.” Payal, a 10 year vivacious girl chimed in and shared her feelings.

Samiksha-another little wonder in gymnastics (from S.R.kids academy) was over joyous to be a part of such picnic said “I have watched Bal Ganesha movie earlier also but it was nice to watch it again with so many friends together.”

Many more kids like Payal, Samiksha, Jai, Hetu, Raghav, Kumkum were lost in their dream world of games and fun without having even a slight inkling of what they are facing.

“Raghav loves cricket, studying in L.K.G. he also likes to participate in all extra curricular activities in his school. His forte is playing the musical instrument- Dholak.” Raghav’s mother (resident of Nathadwara) shared.

Gunjan Dixit-father of Hetu Dixit (a 2^nd std student) from Jagdish Chowk Udaipur, expressed that his son loves to play computer games & cricket and is equally interested in studies.

Some words from Dr Deepak Babel

“The treatment of Thalassemia is Bone Marrow Transplant which costs Rs. 15-20 lacs. It would cost a bomb to any middle class person. So Apollo Hospitals of Ahmadabad branch has offered to reduce the cost up to almost 50% & rest of the 40% amount of this treatment for per kid would be provided by Raven Foundation. So parents would just need to give 10%.” Dr Babel revealed.

He continued saying “I feel that Udaipur should come forward to support this noble cause as Udaipurites have those zeal and concern for humanity. I felt proud on youth of Udaipur when a union of 50 youngsters of Round Table Organization approached me and offered their full fleshed support in our initiatives.”

“Thalassemia is one of the most dangerous genetic blood disorder in which a defective production of hemoglobin causes the need of regular blood transfusion. Because of repeated transfusion, all iron present in the blood starts getting accumulated in liver, spleen, kidneys and pancreas and the child by the age of 10-13 dies of complications”, said Dr. Babel.

The life of these kids goes through the painful experience of doing the rounds of hospitals for regular blood checkups which mean regular injections & medicines. Procedures for blood transfusion have become part of their lives.

Here are some exclusive and touching captures of today’s event including blood donation and all masti-dhamaal of kids. Photos by Sayeed Ahmed

So come forward for those who have dreams in their eyes, determination in their heart & Questions in their mind like “would they be able to live a normal life again?” UT gives its heartiest congratulations to Dr. Deepak Babel and his team and wishes all these beautiful children  that they live, long and healthy life. Thanks to those who have supported and came forward for this noble cause.