Monday, May 26, 2008

Kruthika After Operation

Kruthika's post operative care is happening fine. Kruthika was wheel-chair bound for the last 6 - 7 months. However, She is now able to stand on her own, and walk with the help of walker. She would go for a chemo therapy after some dressing. Please find below the video clip which Santhosh had taken in the Railway station when Kruthika was in Bangalore last week.

Kruthika needs further treatment - 11 Chemotherapy cycles over a period of 7 - 8 months. Cankidsindia organization has come forward with an assurance of financial assistance. However, we would still need Rs 80,000/- more for the complete course of remaining Chemo cycles. Following is the summary:-
Total collected amount for Kruthika's operation - Rs 149,751/-
Carry forward amount from Gururaj's operation - Rs 19,555/-
Total Expenditure** for Kruthika's treatment - Rs 156,810/-
Balance amount - Rs 12,496/-
Amount assured by Cankids - Rs 25,000/-

Total Amount needed for remaining Chemo cycles - Rs 120,000/-
Deficit = Rs 120,000 - Rs 12,496 - Rs 25,000 = Approximately Rs 80,000.
**The above expenditure includes the spending for earlier Chemo cycles, prosthesis, hospital fees, medicines etc.

We have been able to get most reasonable medical treatment for Kruthika through your generous contribution. Hitherto wheel-chair bound Kruthika is able to stand on her feet and now we need your continued support to ensure that she continues to smile.

Let us do it together.


Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Operation Successful!!

Kruthika was operated successfully on April 17, 2008. Her limb was preserved. Doctors mentioned that the operation went very well and was a great success. Kruthika's parents are happy for now.

Kruthika will be in the 3rd floor semi-special ward (to avoid any chances of infection) of Vydehi hospital for few days. She is able to walk now with some support. She wasn't able to walk from last 6 - 8 months.

Pathology report is awaited and it is expected to give more clarity on the status of cancer.

Following are the details if you want to visit Kruthika in the hospital :-
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences And Research Centre,
#82,Nallurahalli,Near BMTC 18th Depot,
Whitefield, Bangalore - 560 066
Tel: 28412956,28413381/3/4/5

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Lets hope for the best

Kruthika's operation has been fixed for this Thursday, April 17, 2008. Kruthika was admitted to hospital today.

We have met our deadline once again and thanks for all, who made it possible. We have been fortunate enough to get help from various people, from various domains. Every bit of help is much appreciated and we hope that all these efforts and goodwill will save one young life fighting for survival. Thanks much.

As we await the results of operation scheduled on 17th, we want to inform you of the possibilities of amputation versus prosthesis. When surgery is done in a cancer case, as far as possible, it should be complete excision, with all the margins of removal free of tumor. Otherwise it could recur, and is worse. When it is done in limb, as in Kruthika's case, it is of two types:- limb preserving surgery or limb resection (amputation). This is decided based on to what extent reasonable functional outcomes are expected if limb is preserved...at the same time, achieving complete resection is important too!! Incomplete removal requires post Operation radiotherapy also . Most importantly, Kruthika wont be 100 % functional, even with limb preservation

Limb preservation is worthwhile only when negative margins can be achieved. Otherwise, due to recurrence, patient will have to undergo second surgery on a later date, for amputation. (At the same time, local failure can be associated with spread elsewhere in the body too , which is disastrous) . Kruthika's MRI scan suggests that the tumor is extending to the soft tissues ( that means , it has gone beyond the bone , into the surrounding muscles/ tissues) , which means , resection is challenging. Only on operation table, doctor can see if he can achieve complete resection with limb preservation. Otherwise , he will have to go in for amputation.

We need to be very clear that in the best interest of Kruthika , amputation may be the only option and accept it. There is no second chance in such diseases.

Irrespective of amputation or limb preservation, Kruthika will be requiring further chemotherapy , as per the protocol for Ewing's sarcoma . The protocol has 3 parts , first part is induction chemotherapy, which she has completed , next will be tumor directed treatment , thats for now , with surgery, and then the third part is adjuvant chemotherapy. We still need your financial support for Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

Let us hope for the best and hope that everything will happen for good.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Kruthika needs help

Please read the previous post for the details of Kruthika's cause. Please view the video, a news item telecasted in Kasturi, a Kannada channel.



One can contribute by sending cheques to Anand directly. He holds a syndicate bank account in Chamarajendra zoo branch, Mysore.
Savings account - 1720 2210001087
Anand's Address - No. 4161, 10th Cross, Gandhinagar, Mysore - 52, Karnataka. Ph. No. (+91) - 9341463820.

Alternatively one can contribute online to Asthe's account.

We will need another Rs 120,000/- for the remaining cycles of Chemotherapy. However we have time to arrange for the same.

Please spread the news to your friends, colleagues and whoever you think will help this cause. Your small contribution can make a big difference to someone's life.

Let us do it together.

Monday, March 10, 2008

The untold story of Kruthika

Kruthika's story is not actually untold. Her story was first published in December 3rd edition of Andolana, a local paper of Mysore. Prashanth Shivakumar of Asthe group noticed the news item and referred the same to Asthe, after due verification of the genuinity of the case. Following is the brief introduction to set the context.

Who is Kruthika?

Kruthika is 10 year old girl studying in 5th standard. She is the second daughter of Mr. Anand, who works as a security guard in Mujarai department of Mysore Palace.





Why this special post about Kruthika in your blog?
Kruthika is suffering from Ewing's Sarcoma or bone cancer. The treatment for Ewing's Sarcoma is a chemotherapy combined with local therapy (surgery and/or radiotherapy to the main tumor). Kruthika is advised 17 rounds of Chemotherapy over a period of around one year. 6 rounds are already over and 11 more round will cost between Rs 110,000 and Rs 150,000.

Kruthika is also advised of Prosthesis, since there was a delay in getting the proper treatment on time due to lack of funds. This will cost another Rs 120,000 to Rs 150,000. Prosthesis should occur within next one month or so. Kruthika's family have exhausted all their financial sources and now they need help from generous contributors like you and hence this post.

Kruthika hails from an economically backward family. She is going to face many travails after a prosthesis, in our societal set up. No explanations are needed for that, I guess. We may not be able to help all that, but we can ensure that she gets most reasonable medical help.

What is the case history?
Kruthika was initially diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in K.R. hospital of Mysore. Since it is a government hospital, family approached Bharath Cancer hospital for a better quality of service. There they were advised to remove the limb of the child. Family then approached Kidwai hospital to see if the limb can be saved. There was no progress in Kidwai even after 15 - 20 days and the family approached Vydehi Institute of Oncology & Research centre, Whitefield, Bangalore. The prosthesis was recommended by Prof. Mayil. V. Natarajan

What are the alternatives explored?
We are also in touch with Suparna (a fellow blogger and a member of Asthe) who works in Manipal hospital. We are trying to see if there are any opportunities for us to gain medical/financial advantage by shifting the case to Manipal. We will come to know of this in a week or so. However, the shifting of the case will be considered only if the following criteria are met :-
1) There should be no medical risk to the Patient.
2) The family should agree for the shift. We are not going to force any decision on them.
3) We should gain at least some financial advantage.





She is still smiling....For how long?...She needs your help

The amount required is too huge. Will we be successful?
Yes, I believe that we can take this case to its logical conclusion. We need to arrange for Rs 120,000/- minimum in another month and rest of the money needed for Chemotherapy can be arranged over a period of time. We have already contributed Rs 20,000 to 25,000/- for the initial 2 rounds of Chemotherapy. Since the amount needed is too huge, we are planning to get this news item published in Times of India and FM Radio. We encourage you to explore in your network. We will try to give the best possible information to you and keep you regularly updated.

How do we contribute?
Please become a member of Asthe yahoogroup by mailing http://us.f545.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=aasthe-subscribe@yahoogroups.com . Alternatively, you can reach us through e-mail.

Who is the primary contact for any information/ clarifications needed?
This is a primary case from Asthe's perspective. Santhosh is the primary contact for this case. He is in constant touch with the family and has already accompanied the family to Vydehi hospital on multiple occasions.

Let us do it together.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

WE DID IT!!!

WE DID IT!!!

We have achieved our target of Rs 100,000/- collection within March 10, 2008 towards Sridhar Heggodu's stem cell therapy.

This re-inforces our belief in collective effort. When we started this collection drive, we were skeptical. However, finally we achieved the target well within the set deadline. This is the 3rd biggest collection drive that we have conducted. Previous one was for the open heart surgery of Anusha followed by another similar one for the surgery of Gururaj. We have received wonderful responses from few of the fellow bloggers/blog readers and we thank all contributors.

We have formed a yahoogroup to streamline these activities and we request you to be a part of our group by mailing - aasthe-subscribe@ yahoogroups. com , if you are not already.

Please keep watching this space for regular updates.

Let us do it together.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sridhar Heggodu needs your help


Sridhar N. Shanubhag, popularly known as Sridhar Heggodu, met with a freak road accident in April, 2006. He was treated at KMC, Manipal; life was saved but the spinal cord couldn’t be rejuvenated. Sridhar, once the nerve centre of NINASAM, Heggodu, is paralysed down the neck. The young man who showed every glimpses of an extra-ordinary future is lying immobile.

Sridhar has undergone all kinds of treatments that are currently available, suffering the worst kind of physical, mental and emotional trauma. Sridhar's family and well wishers have spent more than Rs. 4 lakhs. Now a new ray of hope, Stem Cell Therapy, has emerged for the damaged spinal cords. After one sitting, in October, Sridhar’s limbs are now showing some movements. As per Doctors’ advice he needs one more visit in March. Hopefully, by the end of the therapy Sridhar will be able to stand on his feet, make some hand gestures, turn his neck and most importantly, will be able to live without extreme dependence.

But the Stem Cell Therapy is highly expensive. At present it is available only in Chennai. It is a package treatment and one visit costs Rs. 2,00,000/-. Sridhar's family is exhausted of all possible financial means and has reached a financial dead end. They have got assurances from few people for financial help to the tune of Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000. We have set a target of Rs 100,000 by March 10, 2008.

Update
Status as on March 07, 2008
Total amount needed : Rs 100,000/-
Amount collected : Rs 94,000 +
Amount assured, but not yet collected : Rs 6,000
Deadline met!!

Sridhar needs help. Will you? Please note that there are no 'minimum' limitations on contributions. You may have to let go just one weekend movie, a buffet or an ice-cream. Even your small contribution has the potential to bring a big positive difference in the life of an extremely talented Sridhar.

Please get in touch with us if you wish to contribute. Please send a request to - aasthe-subscribe@yahoogroups.com if you wish to be a part of our group.

***********************************************************************
Lettr from Sri K. V. Akshara, Director, NINASAM


A brief bio-data of Sridhar :-

An Actor, director and Participated in - NINASAM Theatre Institute (1996-97), NINASAM Thirugata Repertory.
Music Instructor and Performer at NINASAM Theatre Institute, Heggodu, since 2002.
Author
-- Four short stories in Kannada.
-- Poems in Kannada.
-- Translated Anton Chekhov’s play The Seagull into Kannada, 2001-2002.
-- Translated Anton Chekhov’s one act play Anniversary into Kannada, 2003-2004.
Active in
-- CHILIPILI : A kindergarten, founded in 2002, where theatre is an important teaching aid.
-- Kiruthirugata : A very small, fledgling touring theatre on shoe-string budget.\

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Update

We have utilized the left over amount from Gururaj's operation for the following causes :-

1) Donated Rs 10,000/- towards the operation of a 7th std. girl, quite brillant, who is more than 50% visually handicapped. An accident took place when the girl attended a free eye camp. Now she is being treated by a specialist recommended by the Principal of her school.

Referred by Mrs Veena Shivanna of Wiprocare and undertaken by Anita Khan.

2) Donated Rs 15,000/- towards the operation of Mangala. Details in the previous post.

Reference - Lokesh HC. Lokesh took the complete responsiblity from the day of admitting the Patient till the day of Discharge.

3) Contributed Rs 3,500/- towards the school fee of two economically backward students (Mother Thereasa School,Siddagunte Palya, CV Raman Nagar).

These student's mom works as "house Keeping" in a software company. The lady was not able to pay the fee for these kids from past 1 year as her husband lost the job and the Head Mistress on a special request had allowed the kids to study and pay the fee later. Hence we decided to pay a partial amount. We are hoping that the father will be able to get a job and the family will be able to pay the rest of the fee in before the completion of the course.

Referred by my sister. Santhosh personally went to the school on a Saturday, talked to the headmistress and paid the school fee.

Note :- We tried to refer Gururaj to 'Unnati' a NGO which offers vocational courses for unskilled, semi-educated people. However Gururaj preferred auto-driving and we respected his personal decision. He is now learning auto-rikshaw driving and is confident that he will get an auto-rikshaw sanctioned by government.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

And Mangala smiles.....

Mangala is a 18 years old girl, who lived a healthy life till she was down with simple cough and fever, finally landing in Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, Bangalore with multiple complications and was in ICU for nearly three weeks. The infection that had spread to her body had to be taken care of, before being operated. Her parents are poor farmers and she has a younger sister and a younger brother. Mangala's father is a daily wage earner who works in the fields in and around her village Javangalli, Malavalli taluk. Sister Manjula had to leave the school to help the family. Brother Suresh is studying 10th standard at government high school.

Mangala was operated at SJIC on last week. She is recovering well, presently she is in Post Operation Ward -3, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, Bangalore. Latest update is that she might be discharged from hospital on coming Monday 24/Sep/07.


Mangala's case was forwarded to us by our friend Lokesh H.C. The total cost of the operation was Rs 83,000/-. We were able to get a very good amount of discount after recommendations and we needed to arrange for Rs 30,000/- only. After careful considerations, we decided to contribute Rs 15,000/- towards this cause, from the excessive amount that we had from the fund raised for Gururaj's operation.

Thanks for the support. This would not have been possible without your support.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Rudseti Center

I am looking for contact details of Rudseti's Mysore center. Please let me know if you have any information or pointers to the same.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Need Info

Gururaj is doing fine now. We are planning to help him post-operation to make him self-reliant.

He is an unskilled person and may not have completed SSLC too. My approach is to provide him some kind of training to gain skill in certain area. Would you mind sharing with us any information regarding schools/institutions/training centers which help these kind of causes? Your help will be extremely appreciated.

I did hear from someone about some Job Oriented Courses in institutions run by Dharmasthala temple trust. Please let us know if you have any contact information regarding the same.

I was also intrested in collating the information regarding various courses that one can take up after S.S.L.C./P.U.C. (apart from B.E./M.B.B.S.). The information should contain the course details and the future career path. I am collecting this information to help a group, which is planning to conduct guidance sessions in Kannada schools in rural areas. Any information or pointers to information is highly appreciated.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

ನಾಳೆ ನಮ್ಮದು

ಗುರುರಾಜ್ ಹೃದಯ ಶಸ್ತ್ರಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಇನ್ನೆರಡು ದಿನಗಳ ತನಕ ತೀವ್ರ ನಿಗಾ ವಿಭಾಗ (ICU)ದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು, ರವಿವಾರ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ವಿಭಾಗಕ್ಕೆ ವರ್ಗಾವಣೆ ಆಗಬಹುದು. ರವಿವಾರ ಗುರುರಾಜನನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಯಾಗುವ ಇಚ್ಛೆಯಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ತಿಳಿಸಿ.

ಗುರುರಾಜ್ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಯ ಮುನ್ನ

ಗೆಳೆಯ ಸಂತೋಷನ ಅವಿರತ ಯತ್ನ, ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಕಾಳಜಿ, ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರ ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹ ಈ ಯಶಸ್ಸಿನ ಕಾರಣ. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬೆಂಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ನಾವು ಆಭಾರಿಗಳು.

ನಿನ್ನೆಗಳ ನೆನಪುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕರಗದೆ, ನಾಳೆಗಳ ಕನಸುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮೈಮರೆಯದೆ, ವರ್ತಮಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಬದುಕೋಣ. ನಾಳೆಗಳು ನಿನ್ನೆಗಳಾಗುವ ಮುನ್ನ, ಕನಸುಗಳ ಜಾತ್ರೆ ಬರಿದಾಗುವ ಮುನ್ನ, ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ನನಸಾಗಿಸೋಣ. ನಾವು ಕ್ಷಣ ಕ್ಷಣವೂ ಬದುಕೋಣ ಮತ್ತು ಸುಂದರ ನಾಳೆಗಳನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟೋಣ.


ನಾಳೆ ನಮ್ಮದು.

Lets hope for the best

Gururaj's operation is scheduled today (Thursday, 15th March. 11am). He is in Jayadeva Hospital General ward Bed No 16. Santhosh admitted him on Monday and the operation was fixed for today. Few friends from our group volunteered to donate blood. Thanks for everyone for making this happen.

Let us hope that operation goes well.We have got around Rs 25,000 surplus amount, which we intend to utilize to provide financial support to Gururaj, post-operation. The goal of such a support would be to provide him opportunities to become financially independent.

Let us hope for the best. We will give you periodic update.

Updates on Gururaj

Today Santhosh went with Gururaj to Jayadeva hospital and had detailed discussions with concerned doctors. The operation is fixed for Thursday, 15th March. Let us hope that everything goes well.

We collected Rs 66,000 required for the operation as per the earlier estimates. The estimtes were based on the scanning done in November 2006 which indicated the need to replace one valve. The operation was postponed due to financial reasons. The recent most scanning indicated a possibility of a need to change both valves, which may have costed Rs 25,000 more than the earlier estimates. We were prepared for this worst case scenario by generating the amount amongst our closely knit group of friends. However the discussions with doctors today ruled out that possibility and only one valve will be replaced for Gururaj.

Thank you everyone for your positive response. This would not have been possible without your support.We will keep you updated.

Thanks,

ನೀವೂ ಕೈಜೋಡಿಸುತ್ತೀರಾ?

೨ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಉತ್ತರಕನ್ನಡದ ಅನುಶಾ ಎನ್ನುವ ಪುಟ್ಟಹುಡುಗಿಯ ಹೃದಯಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗೆ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೆವು. ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದು ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂಪಾಯಿಯ ಮೊತ್ತವನ್ನು ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸಿದ್ದೆವು. ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಗೆ ಅನುಶಾಳನ್ನು ಸೇರಿಸುವುದರಿಂದ ಹಿಡಿದು ಶಸ್ತ್ರಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಯ ಅಂತ್ಯದವರೆಗೂ ನಮ್ಮ ತಂಡ ಸಹಕಾರ ನೀಡಿತ್ತು. ಅನುಶಾ ಈಗ ನರ್ಸಿಂಗ್ ಓದುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ.ಈಗ ೧೮ರ ಹರೆಯದ ಗುರುರಾಜನ ಸರದಿ.

ಗುರುರಾಜ್ ತುಮಕೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ, ತಿಪಟೂರು ತಾಲೂಕಿನ ಗೊರಗೊಂಡನಹಳ್ಳಿಯವನು. ತಂದೆ, ತಾಯಿ ದಿನಗೂಲಿ ನೌಕರರು. ಒಬ್ಬ ತಮ್ಮ ಮತ್ತು ಒಬ್ಬಳು ತಂಗಿ. ಗುರುರಾಜನಿಗೆ ಹೃದಯದ ತೊಂದರೆ ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದು ತುರ್ತು ಹೃದಯಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಯ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಜಯದೇವ ಹೃದ್ರೋಗ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯ ವೈದ್ಯರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಯ ಒಟ್ಟು ಮೊತ್ತ - ೮೩,೦೦೦ ರೂ.
ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆ + ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳ ಪರಿಹಾರ ನಿಧಿಯಿಂದ - ೨೦,೦೦೦ - ೨೫,೦೦೦ ರೂ
ನಮ್ಮ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಿಂದ - ೨೦,೦೦೦ ರೂಇನ್ನೂ ಬೇಕಿರುವ ಮೊತ್ತ - ೩೮,೦೦೦ - ೪೩,೦೦೦ರೂ
ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿತ ಮೊತ್ತವನ್ನು ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯ ಖರ್ಚುವೆಚ್ಚಕ್ಕೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗುವುದು. ಮಾರ್ಚ್ ೧೩ರ ಒಳಗೆ ಈ ಮೊತ್ತವನ್ನು ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸಬೇಕೆನ್ನುವ ಗುರಿ ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ನೀವು ಕೈಜೋಡಿಸುತ್ತೀರಾ?

ನಮ್ಮ ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾತನಾಮಯ ಬದುಕುಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೊರತೆಯಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವೆಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ಪರಿಹರಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಅಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕ ಎನ್ನಿಸಬಹುದು. ಆದರೆ ಪ್ರಾಮಾಣಿಕ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನದಿಂದ ನಮ್ಮ ಸುತ್ತಲ ಪರಿಸರದಲ್ಲಿ ಇತ್ಯಾತ್ಮಕವಾದ ಬದಲಾವಣೆಯೊಂದನ್ನು ತರುವ ಅವಕಾಶ ನಮಗಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಒಂದು ಪುಟ್ಟ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಜೀವವನ್ನೇ ಉಳಿಸಬಹುದು. ನಮ್ಮ ಒಂದು ಪುಟ್ಟ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ಹೆತ್ತಕರುಳಿನ ಸಂಕಟವನ್ನು, ಹಣ ಹೊಂದಿಸಲಾಗದ ಅಸಹಾಯಕತೆಯನ್ನು ದೂರ ಮಾಡೀತು.....