Mithali Raj Backs NTR Trust Thalassemia Run on May 10
With the aim of spreading awareness about thalassemia and extending support to those affected, the NTR Trust is organizing a Thalassemia Run in Hyderabad on May 10. Addressing a press meet held in this regard, NTR Trust Managing Trustee Nara Bhuvaneswari, along with Indian cricket legend and brand ambassador Mithali Raj, shared details about the initiative.
Speaking at the press meet, Nara Bhuvaneswari extended her heartfelt greetings to the media and attendees. She thanked Mithali Raj for associating with the initiative as the brand ambassador. She emphasized that the primary objective of the Thalassemia Run is not only to raise awareness about the disease but also to encourage people to come forward and support affected children, especially through blood donation.
She explained that thalassemia is a genetic disorder, and children suffering from it require blood transfusions every 21 days. This ongoing medical need places a heavy financial burden on their families. To address this challenge, the NTR Memorial Trust has established a dedicated Thalassemia Care Center, where so far 259 children have received free blood transfusions. The Trust is also providing free medication and meals to the patients.
Highlighting past initiatives, she said that in 2023–24, a 5K awareness walk was organized at KBR Park in Hyderabad. Last year, a Thalassemia Run held at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam witnessed participation from nearly 15,000 people, showing overwhelming public support. She noted that despite such efforts, awareness about thalassemia is still limited in society. She stressed the importance of pre-marital screening for thalassemia among young individuals to help prevent the disease.
As part of the ongoing awareness campaign, the NTR Trust will conduct a 3K, 5K, and 10K run on May 10, 2026, at 5 AM near Jalavihar, Hyderabad. She invited everyone to take part in the event and appealed to donors and volunteers to come forward and support children battling thalassemia. Registrations can be done through thalassemia.org or BookMyShow.
She also announced that the NTR Memorial Trust will soon establish a Blood Bank and Thalassemia Care Center in Vijayawada and plans to expand such facilities to other locations in the future. She encouraged the public to actively participate in the Trust’s social service initiatives and thanked donors and volunteers for their continued support.
Mithali Raj Calls for Greater Awareness and Social Media Support
Speaking at the event, Mithali Raj greeted the audience and highlighted the crucial role of the media in creating awareness. As a former cricketer, she acknowledged the media’s contribution in popularizing sports and urged them to extend similar support to this noble cause.
She emphasized the power of social media in today’s digital age, stating that every post, share, and message can make a significant impact. She appealed to everyone to support the Thalassemia Run and help spread awareness.
Recalling her recent visit to the NTR Trust, Mithali shared that meeting the children and their families deeply moved her. Witnessing their struggles reinforced the need for collective action. She pointed out that thalassemia is a genetic disorder and not a contagious disease, yet misconceptions still exist. Hence, awareness, proper counseling, and accurate information dissemination are critical.
She urged media professionals and influencers to play a responsible role in educating the public through videos, posts, and campaigns, which can significantly contribute to prevention efforts.
Mithali concluded by saying that using one’s voice for meaningful causes can bring real change—not only for those currently battling the disease but also for future generations. She expressed gratitude for being associated with the initiative and assured her continued support.
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