FUNDS RAISED FOR treatment of pediatric cancer patients AT CANCER INSTITUTE [WIA], ADYAR

Chennai, Dec 2017: “Funds raised through the 6th Edition of Dawn To Dusk Marathon 2018 [D2D 2018] will be utilized for treatment of pediatric patients at Cancer Institute [WIA] Adyar, especially from the economically challenged sections of the society” declared Neville Endeavours Foundation, the organizers of the D2D 2018 Chennai Marathon. The Marathon is to be held on Sunday, 7th January 2018. At a Press Conference held to announce the marathon, Dr V Shanta, Chairman, Cancer Institute [WIA] Adyar, actor Mr Arvind Swami, Mr Vikram Cotah, COO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, Mr Neville J Bilimoria, Founder & Trustee, Neville Endeavours Foundation and several other prominent citizens of Chennai participated.

Briefing newsmen, Dr V Shanta, Chairman, Cancer Institute [WIA], Adyar stated that considerable number of cancer incidences is attributable to the unhealthy life-style, wherein almost 40% of cancers are traced back to tobacco usage. “As a means of eradicating the disease, awareness on healthy life-style and significance of early detection is the need of the hour. Although the survival rates of the disease has increased with advancement in the treatment modalities in the recent past, it still poses difficulty to the patients to access the facilities due to the high financial commitment involvement in the treatment. With the mission statement of the institute being ‘to provide state-of-the-art treatment to any cancer patient irrespective of his/her social or economic status’, our institute strives hard to meet the requirements and is grateful to all its donors. In this regard, the awareness created and funds raised through initiatives by Neville J Bilimoria through the event Dawn to Dusk Chennai Marathon 2018 is not only most welcome but laudable” said Dr Shanta.

Mr Neville J Bilimoria, Founder, Neville Endeavours Foundation, the NGO behind this annual feature in Chennai’s running calendar, stated with happiness the commitment and dedication of each of the partners and sponsors to the D2D marathon. “The primary objective of D2D marathons is to create awareness on keeping good health through running and cycling. D2D is an initiative by like-minded souls who have come forward to bring


awareness towards worthy causes and to raise funds mainly to support underprivileged children. Through the earlier 5 editions of D2D, the passion for running and cycling has helped to raise a total of Rs. 2.12 crores. The funds raised were used for care of cerebral palsy affected children for their medical support and introduced the Therasuit therapy, first of its kind in India for the cerebral palsy affected children; and supported Round Table India for building class rooms and toilets for girl children etc. D2D has also inspired many runners to run for a cause for the underprivileged children and to support many charitable organizations. This year D2D team will be raising funds towards children affected by Cancer towards their treatment and towards building Children’s General Ward” Mr Bilimoria stated.

Mr Vikram Cotah, COO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, stated that the GRT Hotels were delighted to continue their association to support Neville and his endeavours through the event D2D Chennai Marathon in the 6th edition as well. “GRT is an iconic brand of Chennai and GRT Hotels are a favorite destination for several citizens of Chennai. It is but natural for GRT Hotels to associate with yet another equally dynamic brand and thus was born our association with Neville Endeavours Foundation. GRT Hotels not only participated with utmost commitment and enthusiasm in each of the editions. We look forward with great interest to participate in every edition of D2D Chennai Marathon in the years to come” declared Mr Cotah.

D2D: D2D 2018 mission is to contribute for the treatment of the needy who are suffering from the Cancer disease and towards building a ward at the Cancer Institute. D2D is a unique event and opportunity for people to run, cycle with Neville himself, who has won several medals across these two sports, who holds two records in the Limca Book of Records and is an ultra-marathon runner and cyclist.

Neville J Bilimoria, Founder, D2D Marathon, who is also an elite runner and cyclist, has been singularly committed towards generating awareness behind these sports and encouraging people to make fitness, a habit. Inclusivity is an integral component of the event; for one, it is a coming together of runners and cyclists. Designed also as a family run and D2D has been encouraging first-timers and those aspiring to step out of their homes, enjoy the pleasures of a sport and thereby make a significant difference, as well.


CANCER INSTITUTE (WIA), ADYAR, CHENNAI: D2D 2018 cause is to support the Cancer institute (WIA) Adyar. The Cancer Institute was founded by Dr. Muthu Lakshmi Reddy, India’s first woman doctor, in the year 1952 and the foundation stone was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime minister. This institute is the first in the country to introduce Medical Physics and the Nuclear Medicine departments. Apart from treatment of cancer, Cancer Institute has been instrumental in introducing education of various specializations including M.Sc. in Medical Physics, M.Sc., in Surgical Oncology, Courses in Medical Oncology, Radiotherapy, Radio Diagnosis, Molecular Oncology, Nuclear Medicine among others.
Dr. V Shanta, Chairman, Cancer Institute (WIA), has been instrumental in getting government support to the cancer patients in terms of waiving duty on the cancer drugs and concessions on their train travel. Dr Shanta’s pioneering work has won her several laurels, both in India and abroad, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award and the nation’s second highest civilian honor … Padma Vibhushan. Dr Shanta continues to lead by example and the Institute’s work in cancer care is probably unrivalled.