Georgia's 100-Hour Online Marathon Raises $630K for Children with DMD

A 100-hour online marathon in Georgia brought together over 100,000 people to support children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The event, launched by the Protect Iliauni movement, aimed to raise funds for essential medical equipment and specialised care. The campaign started on 20 May 2023 at 19:00. Its initial target was ₾100,000 ($38,000) to cover urgent costs like beds and medical devices. By the 100th hour, donations had soared to ₾1,670,938.48 ($630,000).

Lile Mshvenieradze and her brother Davit Mshvenieradze led the initiative. Tako Gogaladze, whose child has DMD, became a prominent voice in the push for access to life-saving medication. The marathon also served as a safer way to protest, letting people contribute without risking sanctions.

The effort followed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s remarks on the government’s ‘rational’ spending on treatments. After the marathon, officials began steps to purchase the medication following a meeting with parents of children with DMD. The funds raised will help extend the lives of children with DMD by up to five years. The campaign also raised public awareness and pressured the government into action. The success of the marathon highlighted the engagement of Georgian society in addressing critical issues.