Whitathon 2026: LVPEI Campuses Unite to Fight Retinoblastoma

Written by LVPEI Communications

Published 30th May 2026

This May, L V Prasad Eye Institute’s annual cause-based marathon, Whitathon, brought together thousands of participants across five cities in a powerful collective stand against Retinoblastoma — an eye cancer primarily affecting children under the age of five. Held to commemorate World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week (May 10–16), the events raised both awareness and funds to ensure early detection, timely treatment, and hope for children and families affected by this condition.

As activities ensued across five cities, LVPEI’s secondary centres (SCs) ensured the message also reached people’s doorsteps. Click here to read about Retinoblastoma awareness at LVPEI secondary centres.

*Participants at Whitathon 2026 – Hyderabad edition*

In Hyderabad, the flagship event kicked off the week on Sunday, May 10 at the University of Hyderabad in Gachibowli, drawing nearly 2,000 participants across four race categories — 3K, 5K, 10K, and a half marathon. Now in its eighth edition, the Hyderabad run continues to grow in scale and impact, thanks to the enduring support of Hyderabad Runners and a strong network of sponsors and volunteer partners. Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair of LVPEI, reminded participants that awareness is the first line of defence: many parents miss early symptoms, and by the time Retinoblastoma becomes visibly apparent, it is often too late to save both the eye and, in some cases, the child’s life.

*The LVPEI MTC team with families and caretakers of Retinoblastoma survivors*

In Bhubaneswar, the Mithu Tulsi Chanrai campus hosted its eighth edition of Whitathon on Sunday, May 17 at the Buddha Jayanti Park, bringing together oncologists, NGO representatives, pharmaceutical sponsors, and — most movingly — Retinoblastoma survivors and their families. A skit performed by optometrists and interns demonstrated how a white reflex in a child’s flash photograph can be an early warning sign, while guest speakers from leading cancer institutions in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack reinforced the importance of timely diagnosis and referral.

*Participants at Whitathon 2026 – Vijayawada edition*

Also on May 17, the Vijayawada Kode Venkatadri Chowdary campus organised its fifth edition at Anumolu Grounds, Tadigadapa, with an impressive 600 participants joining the run. Flagged off by D K Balaji, District Collector – Krishna district, the event underscored the collective responsibility of communities to ensure no child loses vision or life due to delayed treatment.

*Participants at Whitathon 2026 – Kadapa edition*

In Kadapa, the Rajasekhara Reddy campus marked the entire awareness week (May 11–16) with a rich programme of activities — a staff painting competition, a photography contest, an awareness skit produced by our team, and a radio broadcast that reached audiences across six districts through All India Radio. The week culminated in a Whitathon Walk at Rajiv Park on May 16 with nearly 200 participants, attended by local dignitaries including MLA Smt Madhavi Reddy and District Collector Mr Cherukuri Sreedhar.

*The flagging off of Whitathon 2026 – Visakhapatnam*

Rounding out the series, Visakhapatnam’s GMR Varalakshmi campus held its fifth edition on the following Sunday, May 24, with 280 runners walking from Kali Mandir to YMCA along RK Beach Road. Dr Virender Sachdeva, Head of the GMRV Campus, captured the spirit of the entire campaign when he said, “If each of us share the awareness we picked up from being a part of Whitathon with the people in our circle of influence, we would make a big difference to ensure cases are detected early and treated, enabling us to save vision and life.”

Across all five cities, one message rang clear: a white glow in a child’s eye in a flash photograph is not to be ignored — consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Early detection can save a child’s sight, and their life.

The awareness didn’t stop at the finish line! This year, Whitathon’s message reverberated powerfully across digital platforms, as prominent voices from medicine and entertainment stepped forward to amplify the cause. South Indian actor and filmmaker Adivi Sesh lent his voice to the campaign, carrying the critical message of early detection to his vast social media following. He was joined by an extraordinary cohort of Hyderabad’s most celebrated medical luminaries — Dr P Vijay Anand Reddy, Padma Shri awardee and one of the best oncologists in the country, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, the first Indian doctor to be honored with all three Padma awards; Dr Manjula Anagani, Padma Shri awardee, Guinness World Record holder and pioneering gynaecologist; Dr Evita Fernandez, a lifelong champion of maternal and child health; Dr Gopichand Mannam, Padma Shri awardees, one of India’s foremost cardiothoracic surgeons; and Dr A V Gurava Reddy, one of South Asia’s leading joint replacement surgeons. Each of them used their platforms to urge parents and caretakers to watch for the telltale ‘white reflex’ in a child’s eye — a simple flash photograph that could save a life. The collective digital reach of these voices ensured that Whitathon’s message travelled far beyond the running tracks, into homes and communities across the region.

Funds raised through Whitathon are used to provide treatment to underprivileged children with Retinoblastoma at no cost, and to support ongoing research into advanced treatment options. Whitathon may be an annual event, but the cause calls for year-round support. To learn how you can contribute, visit https://www.lvpei.org/support-us/ and help us make an impact. We would also like to thank our partners: