The L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, organised the eighth edition of Whitathon on Sunday to raise awareness about retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer affecting children, and to generate funds for treatment and research.

Around 2,000 participants took part in the event, which included a half marathon apart from 10K and 5K runs. The half marathon was flagged off by Prashant Garg, executive chairman of LVPEI, along with Vijay Anand Reddy, director of Apollo Cancer Centres, Hyderabad, and Arun Kumar Kalliapan, president of Hyderabad Runners. 

Dr.Garg said awareness about retinoblastoma is critical as many parents fail to identify symptoms in early stages. He noted that delayed diagnosis often results in the inability to save the affected eye and, in some cases, even threatens the life of the child.

Dr.Reddy urged participants to spread awareness about the symptoms of retinoblastoma within their communities. He highlighted that the disease primarily affects children below the age of four and stressed that early diagnosis can save both, vision and life.