As Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon returns to the capital on Oct 18, stories of recovery, persistence and fresh beginnings will accompany thousands to the starting line. New Delhi: A kidney donated by his mother gave one runner a second chance at life; running helped another regain confidence after a breast cancer diagnosis.
N S Naveen was 27 when he was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease, in Oct 2020. In Oct 2021, his mother donated a kidney. Among participating NGOs, 100 Medals Targeted Foundation supports young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds through training, equipment and mentorship.
“My mother gave me a second chance at life,” he said. Both kidneys were severely damaged, and his life soon revolved around dialysis, chemotherapy, medication and hospital visits. “I promised myself that I would make the most of the life she had given me. For Preeti Oberoi, running offered a way to rebuild confidence after a breast cancer diagnosis brought fear, pain and concern over what her family was enduring. Her turning point came when she accompanied a relative to an intercity run and completed a 5K alongside Milind Soman and his mother. Later, meeting a group training for VDHM in her neighbourhood park encouraged her to continue. The event also provides a platform for fundraising. Animal Rahat provides veterinary care and promotes humane treatment of working animals, while Cancer Patients Aid Association helps financially disadvantaged patients access treatment, medicines, counselling and rehabilitation. Together, these efforts carry the event’s purpose beyond the finish line and into communities needing support.