Bal Sanjeevani on Announcement of Ashok Amritraj as Brand Ambassodor

Chennai, 28^th December 2012:A day of pride and a ray of hope for Bal Sanjeevani Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Centre today as it announced Hollywood film producer Ashok Amritraj and well known marathon runner Neville J. Bilimoria to be their brand ambassadors. Bal Sanjeevani Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Centre provides therapy services and facilities that aid babies and children affected by Cerebral Palsy coming from low income groups. The therapy and rehabilitation is provided absolutely free of cost. With the support of two brand ambassadors, the centre has got a new lease of life and has further strengthened their mission to help the differently abled children with a renewed hope and enthusiasm.

On being chosen as the brand ambassador, Mr. Ashok Amritraj, well known Hollywood producer commented, “I feel completely honoured and humbled to be chosen as a brand ambassador for a reputed centre like Bal sanjeevani, who are doing a yeoman service to kids affected by cerebral palsy. Contributing to the society through voluntary work or financial means can go a long way in making this world a better place especially if it helps those who are considered to be god’s special children like the ones I saw in Bal sanjeevani. In this new role, if my effort can help in providing better medical or therapeutic facilities to these children, I shall feel truly blessed”.

Neville J. Bilimoria has come forward to raise funds through a12 hour event called dawn to dusk which will soon be held in the city. This will be the 2^nd dawn to dusk event helmed by Neville, who will run a marathon for 6 hours followed by another 6 hours of cycling in the streets of Chennai. The funds raised from Dawn to Dusk will help Bal Sanjeevani to meet some of their immediate needs, such as Splints, wheelchairs, and other walking-aids, and appoint more qualified therapists, speech and occupational therapists, Botox injections and most importantly Therasuits.  Therasuit is a soft dynamic proprioceptive orthotic that is worn by the children with spasticity and is generally designed for astronauts to provide stability. Therasuit helps the posture of the cerebral palsy affected child, which is widely used in USA & Europe.

Speaking about this event, Mr. Neville J. Bilimoria, marathon runner and cyclist said, “It is important to remember we are blessed in many ways and each one of us has the potential to give back to the society through the very passion that drives us. I am passionate about rowing, running, and now cycling as well. And through these sporting activities, I would like to find ways that would benefit those who can’t even have a fragment of what we have.”  

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of the brain which affects children either before, during or after birth and results in disabilities ranging from the mild to severe. A child afflicted by cerebral palsy (Spastic) is unable to crawl, walk or run at the right age and has difficulty in sitting, standing, walking and maintaining posture, a few with associated problems such as convulsions (seizures) difficulty in chewing and swallowing, physical deformities and visual and communication related abnormalities. At Bal Sanjeevani, efforts are made towards early intervention in the from of proper handling, therapy and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation includes corrective surgery (When necessary), functional exercises, splinting, home programs and counseling by qualified medical and paramedical professionals. This has shown to improve the functional performance of the afflicted children.

Stressing the need for support, Prof Dr. S.Ravisubramaniam, Chairman, Bal Sanjeevani said, “ At Bal Sanjeevani, our endeavour is to put a smile on every child’s face. Our dream will be fulfilled with immense help in terms of financial and medical aid from all those who identify with this noble cause. I thank our brand ambassadors who have come forward to lend their support thereby setting a precedent for others to follow”.

About Bal Sanjeevani

Bal Sanjeevani Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Centre, which is part of Rotary Club of Ambattur is headed by Prof Dr. S.Ravisubramaniam, Chairman – Bal Sanjeevani & Managing Director – Bone & Joint, Anna Nagar.  The Centre came to be known for their dedicated Rehab program and earned a high reputation. Till now 684 children are registered. Due to paucity of funds, they have restricted the daily therapy sessions to 25 patients. In recent times there have been  more enquiries for registration  since Rehabilitation is absolutely free but they are unable to accommodate due to constraint of funds.