The city of Jaipur rallied behind twenty-two-month-old Hridyansh in his battle against Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, showcasing remarkable communal solidarity. The campaign, initiated by Hridyansh’s family earlier in March, garnered support from various sections of society, including notable figures like cricketer Deepak Chahar and actor Sonu Sood. Their involvement amplified the campaign’s reach across social media platforms. As reported by various media outlets, the campaign amassed an impressive 9 crore in just three months. This overwhelming support enabled Hridyansh to receive the much-needed Zolgensma injection at the JK Lone Hospital in Jaipur, marking a significant milestone in his fight against SMA. As per the doctor’s statement, “The world’s most expensive injection, costing 17 crores, was administered to a 23-month-old child suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. With the help of crowdfunding, the Zolgensma injection was brought from the US to Jaipur.” NGOs and social organizations played a crucial role in mobilizing resources and galvanizing support for Hridyansh’s cause. Earlier, Police Sub Inspector Naresh Sharma had started a campaign to save his 21-month-old son Hridayansh, who was also battling SMA. Hridyansh’s story highlights the financial struggles faced by numerous Indian families who are trying to secure Zolgensma and other medications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). While there is no official data on the prevalence of SMA in India, existing literature suggests that it affects nearly 1 in 10,000 live-born babies. Furthermore, a study revealed that 1 in 38 Indians are carriers of the faulty gene that causes SMA, compared to 1 in 50 people in the West. This underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and support for families affected by SMA in India.
Jaipur Rallies to Save Hridyansh from Spinal Muscular Atrophy
