On December 8, 2024, the MOHAN Foundation successfully organized the highly impactful Cyclothon 2024, "Pedal for Life," at Bayer Circle, Thane. The event saw a vibrant participation of nearly 200 cyclists, all united with a common goal: to raise awareness for the noble cause of organ donation. The event not only promoted fitness but also served as a platform to educate the community about the life-saving power of organ donation.
The highlight of the event was an enlightening awareness session conducted by Ms. Jaya, she began the session by engaging the participants with a thought-provoking question, asking how many of them were familiar with organ donation. To her surprise, several children in the audience raised their hands, indicating a commendable level of awareness at a young age.
Ms. Jaya then proceeded to explain the crucial difference between cardiac death and brain death, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts in the context of organ donation. She addressed common myths and misconceptions about organ donation, clearing the air with factual information and debunking myths that often discourage people from donating.
Adding a deeply personal touch, Ms. Jaya shared her own experience as an organ recipient, which motivated and inspired the participants. Her story highlighted the transformative power of organ donation, illustrating how it not only saves lives but can also restore hope to individuals in need. This emotional testimony resonated with the cyclists, many of whom were deeply moved and motivated to take action.
Following the awareness session, 36 participants pledged to become organ donors, marking a significant step towards building a community of life-saving donors. Their commitment to this noble cause was a testament to the success of the session in spreading awareness and inspiring positive change.
In addition to the awareness session, the Cyclothon featured a celebratory atmosphere with medals and trophies awarded to the participants in recognition of their efforts. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Jaya, who expressed gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, and supporters for their involvement in making the event a success.
The Cyclothon 2024 proved to be a unique and powerful initiative that not only encouraged physical activity but also made a lasting impact in promoting the life-saving cause of organ donation. By combining fitness with awareness, the event successfully spread knowledge and motivated many individuals to take the pledge to donate their organs, ultimately saving lives and creating a ripple effect of kindness within the community.