'KID-A-THON 2024' Raises Awareness held in Coimbatore

 The city witnessed a significant event aimed at raising awareness about Type 1 Diabetes as more than 1500 people, including over 250 children diagnosed with the condition, participated in 'KID-A-THON 2024'. This walkathon, organized by the Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix in collaboration with Idhayangal Charitable Trust, took place on November 17 at Coimbatore’s Race Course.
The event was flagged off by Coimbatore City Police Commissioner V. Balakrishnan, IPS, and attracted enthusiastic participation from school children and families. 'KID-A-THON 2024' was designed not only as a fun activity but also as an awareness campaign and fundraiser to support children managing Type 1 diabetes.
Idhayangal Charitable Trust, founded by Dr. Krishnan Swaminathan, a prominent endocrinologist, has been instrumental in improving the lives of underprivileged children diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes by providing them with essential medical supplies, including high-quality insulin and glucose monitoring devices. The trust currently supports over 2,300 children across Tamil Nadu, aiming to provide lifelong aid and equipment such as insulin pumps.
The walkathon featured notable attendees, including Adv. Sundaravadivelu, District Governor of Rotary International District 3201, and Rtn. Reshma Ramesh, Director of the Combat Diabetes Project. The event was chaired by Sujay Shroff. All participants were awarded medals and received a complimentary goody bag with snacks, buttermilk, sugar-free drinks, and breakfast.
Dr. Krishnan Swaminathan highlighted the severity of Type 1 diabetes, affecting nearly 20,000 children aged six months to 18 years in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized that without regular insulin administration, which must be taken four times daily, children are at risk of severe health consequences, including coma. However, with proper management, children with Type 1 diabetes can lead normal lives.
Over the past three years, Idhayangal Charitable Trust has received support exceeding Rs. 1.5 crore from Rotary E-Club of Metro Dynamix, which has significantly contributed to the well-being of thousands of children.
Dr. Swaminathan encouraged those aware of children in need to visit [idhayangal.org](https://idhayangal.org) for assistance, stressing, "If you know any poor child with Type 1 diabetes under the age of 20 who is struggling to get needed insulin, we are just one phone call and a click away to help them."