Beyond the Clinic: Pune Families Gather to Celebrate Resilience and the Path to a Clubfoot-Free Future with CURE India
In the journey of healing, a doctor’s cast can correct a foot, but a community’s support can heal a spirit. On 24 January 2026, the Pune District witnessed a powerful demonstration of this philosophy. CURE India, in close coordination with the Orthopaedic Department of Civil Hospital Pune and the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC), hosted a heartwarming community get-together for children with clubfoot and their families.
Held in Haveli Taluka, this event served as a beacon of hope for 24 children and their parents. It was not just a medical meeting; it was a celebration of progress, a platform for shared experiences, and a testament to the social impact created when medical expertise meets grassroots empathy.
The gathering was graced by a distinguished panel of medical leaders, underscoring the deep-rooted national presence of CURE India’s partnerships with government institutions. Dr Santpure (HOD – Orthopaedics) led the session, joined by Dr Susidiya (Paediatrician, DEIC), and a dedicated team of specialists including Dr Khedkar, Dr Birade, Dr Amit, Dr Chaudhari, Dr Vitthal, Dr Amruta, and Dr Sangita.
Addressing the gathered families, Dr Santpure emphasized that the success of clubfoot care rests on three pillars: early identification, regular follow-ups, and unwavering treatment adherence. His words resonated deeply with parents, many of whom are navigating the long but rewarding maintenance phase of the Ponseti method. The presence of Dr Minakshi (DEIC Manager) and Mrs Manisha (Social Worker) further highlighted the holistic approach CURE India takes—ensuring that psychological and social support are just as accessible as medical care.
For a parent, discovering their child has a birth deformity can be an isolating experience. Community get-togethers like the one coordinated by our team member, Mr Satish Wadkar, change that narrative. When 24 families sit together, they realize they are not alone.
Parents of children who have successfully completed the casting phase shared stories of hope with those who have just begun. These interactions reinforce the credibility of the treatment and motivate families to stay consistent with the use of the FAB (Foot Abduction Brace), which is critical for preventing relapse.
While the Pune event focused on 24 lives, it is a vital part of a much larger story. CURE India is proud to manage the largest clubfoot program in the world, with the most number of clubfoot children treated globally. Our mission is fueled by an urgent necessity to reach every corner of the country.
Every community gathering in a district like Pune is a stepping stone toward this national goal. By strengthening the trust between families and the public healthcare system, we ensure that the promise of Free Treatment reaches the families who need it most.
As one of the Top 10 NGO's in India, CURE India (or simply CURE) holds itself to the highest standards of accountability. We recognize that for our donors, transparency of fund usage is paramount. Every donation we receive is a direct investment in a child’s ability to walk. It funds the high-quality plaster for the Ponseti method, the production of FAB braces, and the extensive training provided to medical professionals across the country.
Our recognition as one of the Top 10 NGO's in the country is not just an award—it is a responsibility. We strive to maintain this trust by showing measurable results in the lives of the 1,18,000+ children we have treated to date.
We believe that every child deserves a chance to walk with dignity and run with joy. You can play a vital role in the RunFree2030 mission:
The successful gathering at Civil Hospital Pune reminds us that while the clinical correction of clubfoot is a science, the journey of a thousand steps is sustained by the love and support of a community. Together, we are building an India where every child can walk free.
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