World Duchenne Awareness Day

On 7th of September 2014 the First World Duchenne Awareness Day was observed at MDCRC. Duchenne Parent Organisations and foundations working for Duchenne around the World had organized activities to raise awareness on this neglected, orphan disease and build a better future for all children, boys and young men affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). In the context of India, prevention of this disorder plays a crucial role. 7th of September was chosen as the dystrophin gene, the gene who is faulty in DMD has 79 exons.

MDCRC had organized a rally which was conducted at 6:30 am on September 7, 2014 from collector bungalow, race course, Coimbatore. Around 140 student volunteers from Krishnammal college for Women participated in the rally in order to create an awareness program amidst the common people in the city. Apart from the student volunteers, few clinicians and Rotarians also participated. The rally was flagged off by collector madam, Mrs. Archana Patnaik, IAS, who motivated the student volunteers to participate more in the awareness programs.

The Coimbatore District Collector, Mrs. Archana Patnaik, IAS hoisted the national flag followed by Dr. KC Ramaswami, Chairman, Kurinji Hospital, Coimbatore, who hoisted the Duchenne flag. The children with all their prayers let beautiful balloons fly up into the sky to reach the divine. Dr. Krishnakumarji, Chairman, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy let the balloons into the sky.

With prayer song and lighting of the sacred lamp, Dr. Radha Palaniswamy delivered the welcome address. The lamp was lit by all the delegates. On this occasion, MDCRC had relaunched its website which was inaugurated by Dr. PR Krishnakumarji, the Managing Director, Arya Vaidya VPharmacy, Coimbatore who is also a board of trustee at MDCRC. He also addressed the gathering. Collector madam delivered a special address after understanding the significance of the program by Dr. Lakshmi, Director, MDCRC. Dr. KC Ramaswami gave away 3 wheelchairs to the children in need which was donated by Rotary club of Coimbatore, West. Following this, certificates were distributed to the student volunteers by the Collector madam. A scintillating vote of thanks was later delivered by Dr. Nandakumar, pediatric neurologist, MDCRC.

MDCRC had organized a free Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy screening camp on 7th September 2014, at Kurinji Hospital, Nava India, Coimbatore which was inaugurated by the Coimbatore District collector, Mrs. Archana Patnaik, IAS. More than 10 suspected children were brought in for clinical diagnosis. After registration, the children were consulted by Dr. Nandakumar, and further, suspected cases alone were requested to give their blood samples for further analysis.

It was a gala event with the children feeling it was their day with the collector madam and the other dignitaries addressing them and making them feel very important.