Oracle announced continued efforts to support heart surgeries for underserved children throughout India through its third-annual “Heartathon India 2017.” To support increased participation, this year’s event, which takes place on October 29, has expanded to include four cities: Bengaluru, Trivandrum, Noida and Hyderabad.
“An alarming 78,000 infants die of congenital heart disease in India every year,” said Oracle’s Sanket Atal, group vice president of development. “Heartathon India 2017’ aims to help reduce this number by raising awareness about heart health and the importance of embracing more active, healthy lifestyles.”
Organized in collaboration with the Rotary Foundation, HDFC Bank and HARMAN International Industries, the Oracle “Heartathon India 2017” activities include a 5K fun walk open to all age groups, a 5K run for casual runners, and a 10K run for serious runners. The event will be kicked off by triathlon runner Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Dutta, who despite losing his left leg in the line of duty continues to inspire many with his spirit of sportsmanship. Further, RJ Riddhi, along with the Oracle Band will be performing to motivate all participants. In addition to walking and running, Oracle employees may donate to help pay for surgeries for underserved children and request an Oracle matching gift.
Oracle’s first “Heartathon India” was held in December 2015 in Bengaluru, where more than 2,000 people donated and walked, which contributed towards making 23 surgeries possible. The second event, organized in 2016, supported 73 surgeries in multiple hospitals across Bengaluru.
Oracle has one of the most comprehensive corporate citizenship and community engagement charters globally. In the U.S., Oracle hosts the American Heart Association's annual Heart Walk at its headquarters in Redwood Shores, Calif., to spread awareness about heart health and encourage a more active, healthy lifestyle.
