Kochi: Strangers helping out people in emergency need of funds is not unheard of.
That, in fact, is the concept of crowdfunding.
But when someone donates $1.4 million (Rs 11.6 crore) anonymously for the treatment of a 15-year-old boy suffering from a rare genetic disorder, the beneficiary can think that miracles still do happen.
A month and a half ago, little Nirvaan was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2 – a disease which causes progressive loss of movement and shortened lifespan if left untreated.
Nirvaan’s parents Sarang Menon and Adithi Nair were informed by doctors that their child’s rare condition was treatable, but needed the world’s costliest drug.
A single dose of Zolgensma, manufactured by Novartis, costs around Rs 17.5 crore, and takes around 20 days to reach India, Malayala Manorama reported.
Soon after the diagnosis, Sarang and Adithi opened accounts for their son on two crowdfunding platforms — Milaap and ImpactGuru.
Till February 20, Rs 5.42 crore had been collected – well short of the required amount.
Then, an anonymous donor transferred $ 1.4 million.
“We want to share a piece of good news with you all — we have received a significant donation of $1.4 million from an anonymous donor. Their generosity has brought us closer to our goal of raising the funds needed for Nirvaan’s treatment. It is heartwarming to know that there are still angels in the world who selflessly come forward to help others in need,” the family said in a Facebook post.
Till now, over 72,000 people have contributed to Nirvaan’s fund.
