OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA (OI)- BONE DISEASE IS A RARE GENETIC CONDITION

                           OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA(OI) BONE DISEASE
                                          IS A RARE GENETIC CONDITION

  Amrithavarshini an NGO which has been working for the welfare of those afflicted by OI, to create awareness about the disease and create a network of children with OI and their parents, has helped many of these children bloom.
  Ostegenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease is a rare genetic condition because of which the bones fracture easily, some times even with out any cause or trauma. Life is a challenge every single day for children who are afflicted by OI and for their parents.
  Amritha varshini,non government organisation encouraged these children to come out their shell and explore their creative potential. Amrithavarshini has succeeded in showcasing the  talent of these children on many forums they paint, drew, write poems,craft exquisite jewellery, candles. Amrithavarshini, though it has been working amongst children with OI for the past one year,is  on Tuesday 19th April,2011. So that it can net work with more people afflicted by the debilitating disease. Most of the children with OI are bedridden. The net working through Amrithavarshinii has helped bring these children together, share their dreams and fortunes. At present, there are 18 children in the group from across the state, the youngest member, aged six years.

   OI is a congenital disease,caused by a defect in the gene which produces type-I collagen, which is vital for bone-building. It could be mild or severe, depending on the extent of the genetic mutation.  No cure has been discovered for this condition through specific therapies like hydrotherapy can reduce the pain.
  General awareness about this debilitating condition is  poor.It is no easy task bringing up a child with OI and to keep their spirits alive. Parents need to alot of psycho-social support to deal with their emotional distress and the practical problems. A primary aim of Amritha varshini is to create a strong support network for the parents of children with OI.
More details 9446633311, info.amrithavarshini@gmail.com/ website: amrithavarshini.org

                                                                                                             Prof. John Kurakar