by kfi | Mar 20, 2020 | Projects - completed |
KFI Grant to Van Allen Hospital, Kodaikanal
Submitted by David and Nancy Piet
March 15, 2020
March 12, 2020 was a fortuitous day for P.H.K., a new patient at Van Allen Hospital in Kodaikanal. After living with a disabling compound fracture of the thigh bone (femur) in his left leg for two years, and spending all his meager resources on traditional healing methods in his village, he was brought by two friends to Van Allen seeking help from the hospital’s orthopedic surgeon and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Senthil Kumar Ganesen. After a seven-hour operation, using orthopedic implants (plates and screws) from a kit (picture on the left) donated by Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach and shipped/transported to Kodai through a grant from KFI’s Fund a Need fund, Dr. Senthil was able to repair his leg.
According to Dr. Senthil this morning, March 15, the patient will return home tomorrow, the 16th. He will need to remain on crutches for six weeks and keep weight off the leg. However, since he lives in an interior village halfway between Kodaikanal and Batlagundu, it seems doubtful that he will be able to avail himself of Van Allen’s physical therapy department. Along with Dr. Senthil we met P.H.K. the day after the operation and he was most grateful to Dr. Senthil and the hospital staff. Because of their intervention, and that of his two friends, he believes he will again be able to live a more normal life.
While working at KIS for six weeks in early 2020, we intended to document various KFI-funded projects including the use of the equipment and supplies donated to the Van Allen Hospital through the leadership of Dr. Jeetu Nanda, the former Chairman of Kodai Friends International (KFI). A concerted effort had been made in recent years to get Van Allen Hospital back into shape after some rough years; new doctors were hired, but the equipment was sadly out of date. In 2017, Dr. Nanda contacted a group called Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, a medical surplus recovery organization which collects, repairs, packages, and distributes medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics around the world. The Van Allen Hospital was not able, however, to cover the cost of shipping in order to receive these supplies and equipment.
In May 2018, KFI approved a Grant Proposal Request submitted by KIS for $10,247.78 to pay for the transport of these supplies from the United States to Kodaikanal “to significantly update the medical equipment at Van Allen Hospital.” The 20-foot container left the US in June of 2018 and arrived in Kodai in September. KIS students helped to unload it over a long weekend.
Dr. Senthil, along with a nurse (Sister) and the physical therapist, graciously showed us around the hospital’s wards/departments showing off what was now in use or in the supply rooms for future use. As stated in the brief report submitted to KFI (dated June 11, 2019): “Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, in the latter half of 2018, had sent a container of assorted materials for use at the Van Allen Hospital. The Alumni of the Kodai International School (KIS) was instrumental in organizing this humanitarian gesture. The consignment contained an assortment of over 700 items: i.e., instruments for general clinical, surgical, Orthopedic and Ob-Gyn procedures, consumables and linen appropriate for general and surgical processes, Furniture, stationery, equipment, and electrical items. These excellent materials meet both the general and clinical needs of the hospital as well as the needs of the poorer section of the community. Surgical materials were extensively used including suture materials, orthopedic implants, disposal surgical gowns and drapes, scrubs and pack procedures (extremities, obstetrics and shoulder).” [1]
This brief report focuses on the utilization of the equipment and the benefit to the wider Kodai community. As the pictures show, the equipment and supplies included the orthopedic implant kit used in P.H.K’s surgery, lamps for the delivery and maternity wards, the autoclave, sheets and pillow covers, blowup mattress for those with bed sores, supplies for the NICU including a warming bed, and other life-saving equipment.
P.H.K. now has an opportunity to lead a fuller life thanks to the skill of his surgeon, staff and the generous donations through KFI. His is but one example of the many services provided by the physicians, nurses, and staff at Van Allen to the wider Kodai community.
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[1] Brief report on the use of the hospital support supplies facilitated by Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (HSMO) to Van Allen Hospital Kodaikanal, India
The Van Allen Hospital’s medical equipment shipment was supported through KFI’s Fund a Need fund.
For Non-US/Canada
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by kfi | Oct 18, 2019 | Archives |
Dear Kodai Friends,
Mimi Lindell, Nancy Garrison, Lisa Lindell, Lynn Stoltz, Joe Kessler, Marion Greene, Wendy Riber, Mark Garrison
Marty Grubbs Rittman, Jacquie Hagstrom, Lydia Rittman, Miriam Naumann, Paul Wiebe, Vic Hagstrom, Donna Beth Wiebe, Lu Carman, Bob Carman
On our first day of snow this Winter, we had 29 folks come out for Kodai Lunch. We were honored by participation of Dr. Paul and Mrs. Donna Beth Wiebe from Iowa City. Others who honored us included Dr. Bob and Mrs. Lu Carmen, Rev Mark and Mrs. Nancy Garrison, Dr. Miriam Naumann and Mr. Ken Kaufman with daughters Peggy and Sue, Mrs. Judy Kessler and son Mr. Joe Kessler, Mrs. Lydia Rittmann, Mr. John and Mrs. Faye Naumann, Mr. Vic and Mrs. Carol Hagstrom, and sister Jacquie Hagstrom, Mr, Kris and Mrs. Wendy Riber, sisters Mrs. Mimi and Mrs. Lisa Lindell, Mrs. Marion Greene, Mrs. Lynn Stolz, Mr. Joel Otten, Dr. Steve Zorn, Mrs. Denise Cochran (ex Delhi International), and Mrs. Marty Grubbs and husband Joe Rittmann. Please find two pics attached. Regrets were received from Mr. Paul and Mrs. Margaret Christensen and daughter Elsa and granddaughter, Mrs. Pauline Yardy, Mr. Rob Ramer, Rev. Dale Howard (Woodstock) and Dr. Debby Choi.
Food was plenty, highlighting Coorg Pandi, Awadhi Biriyani, Rajasthani Khad, Murgh Musallam, along with dal with zucchini, tomato curry, and Kashmiri pulao. Along with potluck, Miriam’s dal, Jacquie’s samosas, and other many pots, thanks.
According to the four main themes for funding given out by KIS, a total of $390.00 was donated to KFI for KIS Environment and $30 for KIS Scholarship Fund for a total of $420. These funds were sent to Mrs. Sylvia Trautmann Rogers, administrator of KFI, for handling to KIS. Please also find attached a report of the local huts at Poondi Nature Center that our funds made possible.
Next Kodai Lunch is planned for April 18, 2020, Saturday at noon at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, St. Paul, MN.
Thanks to all for contribution of potluck savories, dal, rice. Thanks to Mart for setting up and to Kris and Wendy for cooking and for tea. And a huge thanks to Carol, Jacquie and others for washing and all others who helped clear (I didn’t get back to the sink to see who all helped, thanks.). And to all of you who are off to India, safe traveling.
Stay warm. Drive safe this winter.
Cheers, Joe (Rittman)
by kfi | Oct 18, 2019 | In the Spotlight |
In late September of 2019, KFI Vice-President Vijay Naidu went to Kodai to attend the KIS Council Meeting. During his very brief visit he took the time to take heaps of photos to share with us. Thank you, Vijay, for showing us in pictures all of the new projects at KIS as well as bringing back so many memories!
HIGHCLERC CAMPUS: [envira-gallery id=”2554″]
NEW COVERED COURTS: [envira-gallery id=”2569″]
GANGA COMPOUND: [envira-gallery id=”2577″]
POONDI WITH NEW MUD HOUSES: [envira-gallery id=”2594″]
KIS CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND HUMANITY: [envira-gallery id=”2623″]
AROUND KODAI: [envira-gallery id=”2545″]
by kfi | Aug 27, 2019 | Archives |
Sophia Mozhui came to KIS, from Nagaland, in search of its multicultural environment where students could interact and learn from each other. Sophia joined KIS with much reluctance from her mother to send her daughter far away from home. Today, Sophia and her family have had no regrets about her decision to join KIS.
Coming from a family heritage of music, Sophia was thrilled to learn about the music program at KIS. She already had a dream to play the violin since a child. “Music has always been a constant force in my life. One day while watching the Tom and Jerry Show on television I saw, Tom play the violin. Ironically it was this scene that inspired me to learn the violin since then,” recounts Sophia.
“Ever since I got a hold of my first violin it has become an extension of my body. Playing the violin always took me to another realm of freedom and expression that words could not provide. Music kept me grounded and rooted. It brought out and improved my ability to articulate my thoughts,” she continues.
“At KIS I had one of the best violin teachers hands down! KIS gave me the experience of playing in a school orchestra. I also became the orchestra master. Through the school’s music field trips, it gave me the opportunity to go to different places. My favorite experience includes performing at the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) music festival in Singapore,” shares Sophia.
Recently, Sophia attained the Keith Dejong Memorial Music Scholarship to use towards her passion for music. “Being chosen for such a prestigious scholarship fills me with deep gratitude. I am thankful to KIS for supporting my passion for music while I was a student here. To be awarded this scholarship has really motivated me to further pursue my hand in music.”
Sophia leaves school with mixed emotions of excitement and anxious anticipation, ready to embrace the new chapter in her college life. Sophia has committed to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, pursuing a Major in Business Administration and a Minor in her biggest passion – Music.
– Manjusha Ninan, Alumni Coordinator
