Rs 2-lakh donations pour in for marathon runner

People from across the world, including India, have donated generously to help 65-year-old Lata Kare, who ran a 3-kilometre race in a nine-yard sari to fund her husband's MRI scan

When 65-year-old Lata Kare decided to participate in a 3-km race in Baramati last month, winning the Rs 5,000 cash prize was the only thing on her mind. She hoped to win the money to pay for her ailing husband’s medical treatment. A month later, her valiant effort has not gone unnoticed, as her endeavour has managed to capture hundreds of people’s hearts who have dug deep into their pockets to fund her cause.

Going the whole nine yards: Lata Kare ran barefoot in the Baramati Marathon event to help generate funds for her husband’s medical check-up. (below) MiD DAY’s report on December 20

As a tribute to her enduring effort, people from across the world, including India, have transferred amounts ranging from Rs 500 to 10,000 into Lata’s bank account, who ran the race barefoot, wearing the traditional nine-yard sari, called navari. The Kares, residents of Pimpli village in Baramati, have so far received over Rs 1.75 lakh in donations in the last 40 days. The family has received help from all sections of the society and most of them are anonymous donors.

After MiD DAY published information of her bank account, which was specially opened after consistent enquiries by the readers of this newspaper, money was transferred in to the account from all over the world.

Kare said, “Thanks to MiD DAY, in the past month we have received monetary help of about Rs 2 lakh from all across the country, as well as from overseas. People sent the money after reading about our family’s misfortune. Now, thankfully, I can ensure my husband receives proper medical treatment for his illness.”

Sunil Kare, son of Lata, said, “We treated my father at Kashibai Navle Hospital just a few days ago. He underwent an MRI scan and other necessary check-ups. The doctors told us that there was a blockage in a vein of his brain, which is resulting in constant fits and nausea. He has been advised rest. Thanks to the money we received, we could afford the tablets and other medicines required.” The family will use the remaining amount for Bhagwan Kare’s further treatment. “Apart from my father’s treatment, we repaid the loans we had taken for the marriages of my sisters.

Fortunately, we could also pay for the monthly ration this time. We will use the leftover money for his full treatment now. Though we could not track the names of the people who helped us, the bank told us that most of the money has come from outside India. We are really thankful for the people who have helped us,” added Sunil.  

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