A two-year-old boy from Ludhiana, Aarav Thakur, is at the centre of an urgent fundraising appeal after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, a rare genetic disorder that progressively weakens muscles and can severely affect movement. His family is seeking financial assistance for treatment that is estimated to cost around ₹9 crore.
The case has now received wider attention after actor Sonu Sood appealed to people across the country to come forward and contribute towards Aarav's treatment. Sood shared a video message urging the public to support the fundraising campaign.
Who Is Aarav Thakur?
Aarav is a resident of Ludhiana and is currently two years old. According to his family, he initially showed no major signs of illness. However, his physical movements gradually began to weaken, following which medical investigations led to his diagnosis of SMA Type 2.
SMA is a genetic condition that affects motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscle weakness. In Aarav's case, the family is now facing the challenge of arranging treatment costing several crores.
Why Does Aarav Need ₹9 Crore?
The treatment recommended for Aarav involves a high-cost injection. The family says the expense is beyond what they can afford, prompting them to launch a fundraising campaign and seek support from charitable donors and authorities.
The campaign has also identified Zolgensma as the treatment Aarav needs, according to fundraising posts seeking donations.
Sonu Sood Appeals For Help
Actor Sonu Sood, who has previously supported several medical and humanitarian causes, has stepped in to amplify Aarav's appeal. His video message has brought the Ludhiana toddler's case to a much larger audience, with the actor urging people to contribute towards the treatment.
For Aarav's family, the appeal is now a race against time. With the treatment cost running into crores, they are relying on contributions from individuals, organisations and donors to help reach the target.
A ₹9-Crore Target That One Family Cannot Shoulder Alone
Aarav's case highlights the enormous financial burden families can face when children are diagnosed with rare genetic disorders requiring extremely expensive treatments.
For his parents, the immediate priority is raising the money needed for treatment. Sonu Sood's intervention has helped put the case in the spotlight, but the fundraising effort ultimately depends on whether enough people come forward to support the two-year-old.
As Aarav's family continues its campaign, the appeal remains straightforward: a contribution, however small, could help move the child closer to receiving the treatment his doctors have recommended.