Chennai: “Witnessing the deaths of many people who have succumbed to cancer, I was under the impression that cancer is fatal and incurable, but after associating with DATRI, I was made aware that blood cancer is completely curable if a healthy matched donor is willing to donate blood stem cells. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to spread the word to save precious lives,” said India’s Grand Super Randoneur Sundar Rajan after flagging off the Cycle to Gift a Life – 2018.
The event was organised by DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry along with Emcure Pharmaceuticals on World Marrow Donors Day observed on 2 September.
The ride started from Tidel Bio Park, Taramani, Chennai with cyclists choosing to ride under 4 categories ranging from 10kms, 25kms, 50kms and 100kms. A group of superbikers led by renowned biker Track Sarath piloted the event.
A press release said the event was held to thank all blood stem cell donors worldwide, to generate awareness on the significance of blood stem cell donation in permanently curing fatal blood disorders and to highlight the need of global cooperation in blood stem cell donation.
DATRI co-founder Raghu Rajagopal, said, “We are delighted to see so many participants showing their support towards the cause. We are thankful to our partners, who have helped us in making this event a grand success. Hoping to see many more donors coming forward to register to save lives.”
“There is a huge demand for blood stem cell donors in the country. They are the essential element to help the sufferers. We appreciate DATRI’s noble work in building a registry of volunteer donors and would like to extend whole-hearted support for this cause,” said a Spokesperson from Emcure.
The Cycle Hub by Sudershan, owner Akhilesh Chalani, said, “We are very happy to be associated with DATRI in this lifesaving mission. We are looking forward to bringing more smiles and happy families.”