In keeping with the World Autism Awareness Month, Mumbai-based paediatric centre Khushi held a cause-a-thon, a special seven-kilometre and one-kilometre marathon at Taj Lands End on April 5 as a part of their Autism Awareness Campaign.
This year, the event was conducted by kids with autism and other children with special needs. They took up the responsibility of escorting guests, anchoring the event, giving away medals to winners and ensuring refreshments for all participants.
According to Khushi founder Reena Singh, “The cause-a-thon is about appreciating the strength of kids with autism, while accepting their differences without being 
judgmental about any developmental disability. It is about sensitising society and creating awareness.”
The cause-a-thon, a free event for special children, had over 325 participants in 2013 and about 505 runners in 2014 and witnessed around 800 registrations this year. Khushi works mainly with children with autism and other disorders occurring with autism, such as cerebral palsy, autism and mental retardation.
Several celebrities, including Nawaz Modi Singhania and NGOs like Being Human have extended their support to the cause. Bank of India and Striders also came together to support this cause. Mrs India 2015, Priyanka Goyal conducted the warm-up before the race for all runners while Shaan gave the flag off to the run and yesteryear actress Anita Raj gave away the prizes.
