On June 1, 2019, students, teachers, athletes and many others gathered together to raise awareness on children's health, rights and well-being issues. And, most importantly, contributing to the international campaign to help a little boy fighting for his life right this moment – Erekle Danelia, a boy born in 2017 suffering of short bowel syndrome and a number of comorbidities, such as lung fibrosis, osteoporosis, frequent infections and other life threatening complications of his main condition. The united effort to support his and his family’s fight for happy future resulted in generation of financial resources contributed to charity by the students, academic and administrative staff as well as athletes and other, with the total amount of around 1000 USD (including on place contributions direct person to beneficiary transactions).
Following students’ initiative to help the child and raise awareness on children’s health and rights issues, it was decided to hold a “mini-marathon” in the city of Rustavi, where the DTMU Campus is located. Upon agreement with local city hall, it was decided that with support provided by local police and authorities, a 4km long route across the central streets of the city would be provided to the runners, while police and a number of volunteers would guide the runners and ensure road safety. The mini-marathon finish line was next to the DTMU Rustavi Campus.
A total of 106 persons ran from starts to finish. These were not only DTMU students, but also students from other medical as well as non-medical students. They were also joined by amateur athletes of different ages, up to 75 years old.
A number of external supporters contributed to the event, among them a NGO “Sports for All”, NGO “Independent Children and Students’ Union”. “Supermarket Madagoni”, sports store “myvelo.ge”, fitness center “MG Fitness”, sports store “Gbikes Online” and “Georgian Medical Students’ Association”.
The winners received cups, medals, student camp vouchers, sports stores and fitness center vouchers and other prizes contributed by the supporting organizations.
Following the run, students performed a series of short theatrical performances on children’s rights protection, such global problems as child abuse, child labor, home violence and others.
The event followed with students’ musical and dance performances and concluded in a warm and happy atmosphere, with a hope that the small contribution generated would somehow influence the little boys struggle for good.
We would like to express deep gratitude to all our students, this is what being a medical student means first of all actually, thanks to all the people contributing to our charity, to the athletes and volunteers helping with the event. Thanks to our staff who did their best in order to hold this event, to sponsors and supporting bodies, and once again to all our students who ran, staged amazing performances, produced this wonderful video, made pictures, supported each other, did a great job.
You can still contribute to the cause following using: