Seventeen local bodies in Kerala launch campaign to save triplets
Local institutions are fundraising Rs 50 crore for gene therapy for three one-year-old children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy.
Seventeen local self-government institutions in Kerala have launched a joint fundraising campaign to support one-year-old triplets diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). According to The New Indian Express, the children, Ethan, David, and Oliver, require gene therapy costing Rs 50 crore before they reach the age of two.
The triplets are the children of Arun P D and Shalmi from Kallurutty in Omassery panchayat. A convention in Omassery brought together representatives, members, and secretaries from 17 panchayats and municipalities across the Thiruvambady and Koduvally assembly constituencies.
Mukkam municipality vice chairperson C A Pradeepkumar said that 17 nearby panchayats are holding joint meetings. He stated that they plan to reach 1,60,000 households, targeting 400 to 500 homes in every ward across these areas.
Dedicated squads including municipal councilors, Anganwadi workers, Asha workers, and Kudumbashree members are conducting door-to-door collections at homes, offices, and businesses. Private bus operators have also started a ‘Karunya Yatra’, donating a full day's fare collection to the medical relief fund.
The initiative includes participation from over 30 private buses operating routes through Thiruvambady, Omassery, Thamarassery, Kodiyathur, Koodaranji, Kozhikode, and Thottilpalam. Additionally, the Kallurutty Yuvashakthi Public Library has organised a ‘Scrap Challenge’ to collect recyclable items and old scrap metal.