Healthcare to 12,000 poor in rural Bangalore

Dear donors,

Greetings from Bangalore Baptist Hospital.

When you give, you're transforming lives in more ways than you think. Thank you.

Here are some stories highlighting how your giving has allowed us to continue providing vital services to those in need. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity.

Sparkling with health

46-year-old Kennchamma is energetic and hopeful; her children immediately notice the difference. They see a spark in their mother’s eyes that they had never seen before and knew something had changed her. 

"I was sick a few months back. My diabetic level was high, and I fainted. My family thought I would never recover. Thankfully, your team took good care of me. You helped me with hospitalization at your hospital, ensured regular medication and check-ups at my doorstep and advised me to go for walks and eat nutritious food. I am blissful and grateful that I can live healthy despite my financial struggles,” says Kennchamma 

Threads of care

Although at 84, Munnisamayiah is resilient and can work for hours tending to silkworms and mulberry gardens, working became more arduous and often impossible once cataracts claimed his sight. A dangerous venture to cut the mulberry leaves because he could cut his hands with the chisel. He was a worried person. “I couldn’t do any work, and it affected the family. Silkworms need constant attention, and I was worried our livelihood was taking a toll,” he shared with our healthcare worker Madhu.

An initial screening at our Mother Theresa Hospital and surgery to remove his cataract at our main hospital helped him see clearly. He was overjoyed and could not contain his excitement. He spent the entire day tending to his silkworms and admiring their beauty. He was amazed at how much he had missed out on when his vision was impaired.

Overall, the restoration of Munnisamayiah’s vision profoundly impacted his life. “It’s nice to see my father back in action. He was rather dull before the surgery because he couldn’t do any work. He loves working,” shares his daughter laughing, who helps Munnisamayiah in the silkworm culture. It highlights the importance of access to eye care services, especially for people like Munnisamayiah, who depend on their vision to pursue their livelihoods.

Stability and Serenity

Subbamma’s mental health issues began manifesting soon after her husband’s death. She suffered from frequent headaches, stomach pain, and insomnia. She always felt anxious and stressed but didn't know how to express her feelings or seek help.

Subbamma is not alone. Many women in rural Bangalore face similar challenges with their mental health. They are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and often have limited access to healthcare and resources for mental health support. She was also hesitant to speak out about her struggles for fear of being judged or rejected by her community.

Identified by our healthcare worker, she attended our mental health clinic held in her village. She has been our patient for the past year. Over time, her mental health improved. She still faces challenges, but now she has a support system to turn to for help. She now enjoys caring for her cattle, fetching leaves and feeding fodder.

Subbamma’s story is just one example of the challenges faced by women in rural India when it comes to mental health. But it also shows that it is possible to overcome those challenges and lead a happier, healthier life with support and resources. 

When we become the heart healers and cheerleaders

It is the first visit for our team to see the 63-year-old Ratnamma. Dr Ravi studies her medical records and finds that the hospital has recommended palliative treatment for cancer in her mouth. The team got to know her and her family and listened carefully to her concerns and needs.

"Ratnamma, one injection, can I give you," Dr Ravi asks. Ratnamma nods and takes the prick. The nurse dressed her wounds, and after some time, Ratnamma started talking to Dr Ravi. They both chat cheerfully, talking about her younger days to how she wants to see her grandsons married. Ratnamma was relaxed, laughed, enjoyed our presence and cracked a few jokes with Dr Ravi.

“If we must take her to a hospital, we leave at 5 in the morning and return only at ten at night. She was so tired from all the travel. When we heard you would come home and care for our grandmother, that was a great relief,” gratified her grandson. 

We leave Ratnamma with our hearts filled to make the minuscule moment feel like magic and turn the darkest days into something bright. Our care and compassion comforted her, relieved her pain, and made her smile and laugh.

Your donations have significantly impacted our ability to carry out our mission, and we could not do it without you. Your contributions have helped us to provide healthcare, mental stability, palliative care and other essential health services to those who would otherwise go without. You have made a real difference in the lives of so many people, and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity.

Once again, thank you for your support. We hope you will continue to stand with us as we work to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

Sincerely

Carolin George