Sporting events, especially cycling and marathons have become popular platforms for NGOs to raise funds for their initiatives. Among the several NGO’s working tirelessly to raise funds for worthy causes, the Bengaluru-based Iksha Foundation with their mission to fight eye cancer or Retinoblastoma among children. Every year starting from the second Sunday of May, World Retinoblastoma Week, is observed globally to create and raise awareness of this silent killer.
Studies show that at least four children are born every day with this that condition, in India and at least 7,000 children die annually across the globe, mostly due to late diagnosis and lack of timely treatment.
The founding trustees of Iksha Foundation were childhood friends and wanted to work on a cause where they could make a life-altering impact. When one of the trustee’s child was suspected to have retinoblastoma, they got to know more about it and how families couldn’t afford the treatment.
Thanmaya Bekkalale, Founder Trustee, Iksha Foundation, says, “As most of our friends were sportsmen, we decided to use it as a driving force to raise funds.”
They have been a part of events like Bangalore Marathon, Tour of Niligiris (TFN) and Umeed 1000, a cycling ride from Mumbai to Bengaluru. In seven years of its inception, Iksha Foundation, has supported 101 children and provides education to many. It is also tied with six hospitals across Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad.
According to Thanmaya, they have raised about 20-25 lakhs a year and 84% of the amount is used for treatment of the disease. Though they claim there is no government support for their effort, two corporates have come forward to back them as part of their CSR initiative. The upcoming Bangalore marathon will have two Iksha Foundation Trustees, Aravind Seshadri and Ramya Aravind, peddaling away to create awareness on retinoblastoma.
