New Delhi: In a heartwarming display of unity and compassion, the people of Gujarat have once again rallied together to save a young life. Just four years after a similar fundraising effort in Godhra, the community has raised a staggering 16 crore rupees in just one month for a 20-month-old Muslim child from a poor family in Himmatnagar. The funds were needed to purchase a crucial injection from the US to treat the child’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type-1, a rare genetic disorder.
SMA Type-1 causes muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and frequent pneumonia. Affected children cannot sit or stand unaided. The specialised injection, only available in the US, activates SMA genes and offers a chance at a healthier life, according to the doctors.
The temperature-sensitive injection arrived in Ahmedabad on Thursday, having been transported at a constant -70°C via a carefully managed supply chain involving Emirates flights from the US to Dubai, then to Delhi, and finally to Ahmedabad. After careful thawing at the hospital, the injection was successfully administered, marking the first such instance for an SMA Type-1 patient in Gujarat. The child’s condition is now improving.
The fundraising campaign, organised with the help of the Impact Guru Foundation, saw contributions pouring in from all walks of life, from doctors to those with limited means, demonstrating the collective power of small acts of kindness. The government also played a crucial role by waiving taxes and charges associated with the import and administration of the injection.
The child’s uncle, Abid Ali, recounted the family’s ordeal, describing the child’s declining health after 18 months. A diagnosis of SMA Type-1 at Civil Hospital two months ago led to the desperate search for a costly injection. The successful fundraising effort and the timely arrival of the injection have brought new hope to the family. They expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from the people of Gujarat.
Dr Siddharth Shah detailed the meticulous preparations at the hospital, including setting up a specialised pediatric neuro ICU and training staff. The team, experienced with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), consulted with doctors in Mumbai and received training from the drug manufacturer to ensure flawless execution.
The child’s health will be closely monitored for the next three months with regular tests and a course of steroid medication to minimise potential side effects.
