Samuel Chettiar (left) and Prakash Amati
The Mumbai Marathon is back, and amongst the runners are two inspiring men.
55-year-old Prakash Amati suffered a heart attack just 45 days ago, but still has plans to run this year. 37-year-old Samuel Chettiar survived stage 4 cancer and his dream to run the Mumbai Marathon is being realized today.
"I have not changed anything. I go for practice. I go for 8 to 10km running. I play cricket. I do the same activities I did before my heart attack. Only my diet has changed," said Mr Amati.
"His heart function had deteriorated to 45%. This blockage was the one troubling him and causing symptoms.We immediately did his angioplasty," Dr. Rahul Gupta, Cardiologist at Fortis Hospital in Vashi said.
Mr Amati has also ensured that his daughter runs the marathon this year. 20-year-old Roshani Amati says, "Before we never used to run or something but after looking at him we do. After his heart attack also he is so confident. So we thought if he can do it everyone can do it."
Joining the Amatis at the marathon will be Mr Chettiar. During his cancer treatment, Mr Chettiar started putting on weight due to the heavy medication. To counter the weight gain, he hit the gym and decided to run the marathon.
"I did treatment of six months with about treatment of 12 chemo therapies. I got into remission in 2008. I am completely excited because this is my first Standard Chartered Marathon."