Give the Gift of Sight to the poor in India

As we head into September, I hope that you and your family are well. I’m sure this was not the summer that you had planned – I know it was vastly different from what my family was looking forward to, and sometimes it is hard to let go of those plans.

One thing that has kept up my spirits this summer is the privilege of working with Aravind. As you know, India has been hard hit by Covid-19. Our staff has been working overtime to provide the high-quality, compassionate eye care that our patients expect, despite extremely challenging circumstances. Their courage and dedication inspire me every day!

And, you inspire me! In these uncertain times, you have continued to provide much-needed support to Aravind, especially to our eye cancer patients. This year Aravind expanded our Ring of Hope program to cover testing and treatment for all types of ocular cancers, so your donations are more important than ever.

I’d like to share some inspiring news about one of our patients. Chinnu lost her eye to retinoblastoma as a child, yet went on to complete dentistry school and to marry. Many eye cancers have a genetic element, and early detection can mean the difference between life and death. Also, knowing that you don’t have the inherited type of cancer can help with family planning and bring peace of mind.

So, before having children, Chinnu, wanted to be tested to understand the risks to future children. She fortunately tested negative and now she has a lovely baby girl!

Thank you for your kindness and your generosity. I hope that you and your family stay safe and that we all find inspiring moments and people to get us through these days. 

With gratitude, Donna

“Intelligence and capability are not enough. There must be the joy of doing something beautiful.”

Dr. G. Venkataswamy, founder of Aravind Eye Care System

Dear Friend, 

I sincerely hope that you and your family are well in this unprecedented time of global anxiety, sadness, and no doubt anger at the injustices faced by so many. 

Still, dark times can offer opportunities to do good things -- things that perhaps we thought were impossible before.  When Covid-19 emerged in India and forced us to close our hospitals except for emergency operations, all our employees rose to the occasion. Every one of us should be proud of the doctors, nurses, administration, maintenance, drivers, security, catering and housekeeping, who performed their duties with dedication and sincerity, true to the longstanding values and tradition of Aravind. The catering staff and our sanitary staff need a special mention of appreciation, since their work has increased manifold in recent times.

We continue to see our eye cancer patients, of course, and have arranged for them and their families to stay at Aravind and avoid travelling back and forth on public transportation and risk exposure to the virus, especially since they are in an extremely high risk category.  Your generosity makes this all possible!  

I want to leave you with the words of our founder, Dr. Venkataswamy, and I hope that they give you some comfort.  “Attachment to your village, your hospital, your state or country – that must go.  You must live in your soul and face the universal consciousness.  To see all as one.”

At this crucial time, let us put aside our differences and pray to help every person in the world.  Let us see all as one. 

Stay safe and be well.  And, know that we are extremely grateful for your support, more now than ever.  Please email me or call me (917 412 4742) if you have ideas on how we can do a better job, especially at this time, or if you would like to learn more about our work.  

With gratitude, Donna