PUNE: Pune-based couple Amit and Rupali Ramtekkar have taken to crowdfunding on ImpactGuru.com to cover the cost of Zolgensma as their 1-year-old son, Yuvaan is diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1.
SMA is a rare genetic disease that attacks the baby’s nerves and muscles, and as it progresses, makes it extremely difficult for the child to carry out basic activities like sit up, lift their head, swallow milk, and even breathe. SMA is currently the leading genetic cause of infant death worldwide, and it affects 1 in 10,000 babies.
In a heartfelt appeal, Yuvaan’s parents Amit and Rupali Ramtekkar shared, “To anyone who reads our story, we join our hands and plead with you for help. As of now, there are no treatment options available in India for this invisible killer. Our only hope for Yuvaan to have a normal life is to be able to import Zolgensma, a one-time gene replacement therapy, which in his current state could be a potential “cure”. Zolgensma comes at a steep cost of INR 16 crores (USD $2.1 million).
We request each and everyone to please donate to our ImpactGuru fundraiser (https://www.impactguru.com/fundraiser/help-baby-yuvaan) Every small amount will be one step closer to the required amount. Even sharing this story on social media platforms will be of immense help. We have a long way to go. We need to believe that the good hearts of our society will consider our son worthy of life and help us in saving him.”
Baby Yuvaan is currently undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Centre, Pune. In one week, Yuvaan’s Impact Guru fundraiser has raised over Rs. 9.50 lakh, cumulatively contributed from 500+ donors.
Crowdfunding is an alternative method of raising funds online for medical expenses, with the patient (or his/her friends or family) primarily relying on social media networks to mobilize donors to finance the relevant medical bills.
