How SAATH Charitable Trust Is Supporting Children with Thalassaemia Major and Their Families (VIDEO)
Prabhadevi resident Sujata Raikar had always wanted to do something for children who were less fortunate than her own, but had not quite figured out how or where to begin. A chance encounter with a young child living with thalassaemia major and her terrified mother changed both their lives — and Raikar’s. “That was the first time I came across the term thalassaemia major, which I later learned is…
In Prabhadevi, Sujata Raikar, a resident, decided to help less fortunate children after meeting a young thalassaemia major patient and her mother. Thalassaemia major is a genetic blood disorder requiring frequent blood transfusions throughout a person's life. Raikar founded SAATH Charitable Trust in 2012, which stands for Support and Aid for Thalassaemia Healing.
Children with thalassaemia major face numerous challenges, including painful side effects, lifelong medical treatment, and financial burdens. Raikar was particularly moved by a mother's words, who said her father refused to accept her daughter due to her condition. The NGO covers medical expenses, including daily medicines, blood tests, hospital bills, and annual MRIs. They also provide financial and nutritional assistance to families, as well as emotional support to help them accept and cope with their child's condition.
RAIKAR conducts awareness sessions in schools, colleges, corporate offices, and residential societies. She also organizes blood donation drives and screening camps to identify thalassaemia minor carriers. Thalassaemia minor is a preventable condition; a simple blood test before marriage can determine if someone carries the trait.
If one partner carries the minor trait but the other does not, their children will not have thalassaemia major. Smita Jayakar, an actor, praised Raikar's efforts, stating that more people should be aware of thalassaemia, as most are unaware of this genetic blood disorder. To contact the NGO, call 9920779877.
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