July 6, 2021
2 mins read

Rs 18 cr raised through crowd funding for Kerala kid

Speaking to the media at the house of Muhammed at Matool in Kannur, local legislator M. Vijin said it’s unbelievable that they have been able to raise this huge sum from well-wishers….reports Asian Lite news

Unbelievably, in a matter of a week’s time a staggering sum of Rs 18 crores was raised through crowd funding to treat one-and-a-half-year-old Kerala child Muhammed suffering from a rare disease called spinal muscular atrophy, which causes muscle wasting.

And now the wait begins for the wonder drug, a dose of Zolgensma which has to come from the US and for that the Kerala government will take the lead. A single dose of the drug costs around Rs 18 crore.

Speaking to the media at the house of Muhammed at Matool in Kannur, local legislator M. Vijin said it’s unbelievable that they have been able to raise this huge sum from well-wishers.

“We first formed a committee and then decided to appeal through the social media and with the help of the media organisations, this campaign gathered momentum. We are still yet to come to terms with the success of raising Rs 18 crores in a week,” said Vijin.

“We opened two bank accounts and we have now intimated the banks that no more money needs to be accepted from anyone, as what we wanted is Rs 18 crores and we have achieved that,” added Vijin.

Incidentally Muhammed’s sister Afrak who is 15 years old also suffers from the same disease. She is elated and thanked all those who came forward to help her young brother.

“I am happy that I can see him running around, while I sit in my wheelchair,” said Afrak.

Rafiq, the father of the two children, could not hide his tears and said they were in no position to even raise Rs 18, they have got Rs 18 crores and they do not know how they can thank the people who came to their support.

“I am leaving for the state capital to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to see that all steps are taken to speed up the import of the drug,” said Vijin.

The house of Rafiq, who works as an AC technician in the Middle East and is presently at home, has become the cynosure of all eyes. Thankfully, his second child 10-year-old Asnila is free of this deadly disease.

ALSO READ: High alert in TN, Kerala on possible drone intrusions

Previous Story

Oxford scientists launch HIV vaccine trial

Next Story

Civilians pick up arms as Taliban imposes new rules

Latest from India News

India to send holy relics to Mongolia by 2026

According to the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Moggallana were the two principal disciples of Lord Buddha. Revered for their wisdom and spiritual accomplishments, they hold a prominent

India, Uganda vow deeper ties

Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday to discuss strengthening India–Uganda ties….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met

India-Mongolia trade nearly doubles

Bilateral trade between India and Mongolia nearly doubles as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic ties and deepen their strategic and cultural partnership…reports Asian Lite News Bilateral trade between India

Modi, Ukhnaa seal a golden friendship

India and Mongolia mark 70 years of diplomatic relations with energy, cultural, and development pacts — a partnership rooted in shared Buddhist heritage and growing strategic trust….reports Asian Lite News India and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Keraleeyam’23: UAE Hails Kerala Ties

Keraleeyam is an annual week-long event celebrating the formation day

All three major political parties in Kerala upbeat  

Kerala will go to the polls on April 26. …reports