- Apr 23, 2012
- 2,569
- 5,367
Alright, so Mumbai houses one of the biggest cancer specialty hospitals in India - The Tata Memorial Hospital
Run by a trust, the hospital caters to advanced research in oncology.
It is an autonomous body, managed by the central government of India. And through various governmental and private programs offers treatments to individuals from across the nation (and other nations).
Now people from all walks of life who suffer come to Mumbai for treatment.
Given that the hospital lies in the heart of the city - affordable lodging becomes a BIG problem. Especially for young parents with an ailing child, many of whom leave their work to cater to their baby.
Think of it like a specialty hospital that offers nearly free treatment bang in the middle of Manhattan.
To aid in these lodging issues, there are several NGOs and charities that provide conveyance and lodging to these families at no cost. A few are run by friends and I often try to get involved as much as I can.
There's a certain sense of hope amid all the despair when visiting these children. Bearing so much pain, they still manage to somehow smile when they see you. They talk to you, they ask questions etc.
I'll occassionally visit whenever I am in that side of town. Often with a bunch of Wada Pavs (local Indian delicacy, similar to a burger - a deep fried spiced potato patty in a bun), or with bagful of McDonald's Burgers. Other times it's just a whole bunch of ice creams.
A few months ago, I rented a projector and we had a whole day of just watching Pokemon movies.
//
Coming to Today
Last month, while browsing a set of products for one of ecommerce brands, I came across a pretty inexpensive handheld gaming device.
It was this beauty (sorry for the horrible pic, I don't have good lighting here at the moment)
It's just $10 and has 500 Games in it.
Every game from my childhood is in there. Both Nintendo and Sega.
There's Mario, Contra, Adventure Island. There's Double Dragon. Heck, Spartan X is on there.
So I placed an order for 50 pieces to be delivered sometimes earlier last month.
These got delivered today and I asked them to distribute it to the kids in the morning and not wait for me.
While returning from work this evening, I decided to take a short detour and visit one of the centres.
And I was greeted with 34 smiling faces. With sounds of my childhood emanating from every single room. Tiny handhelds purring in every corner.
The parents tell me the kids are the happiest. It distracts them from the pain and the pipes sticking out of them. They can be bartered in return for timely medicine consumption. They are rechargable. Don't need the Internet.
They start in a second, games load rapidly. There's a sound knob to manage the volume.
And these little cherubs are already setting high scores.
//
I DID NOT walk in there thinking I'd be so overwhelmed with happiness.
The kids know me by name now.
And since every kid got a device and there's more to spare. When these little ones finally beat the wretched disease and return home, they can take their device with them and remember their BlogPro Uncle.
//
I am VERY happy. Y'all should take advantage for me fr.
Run by a trust, the hospital caters to advanced research in oncology.
It is an autonomous body, managed by the central government of India. And through various governmental and private programs offers treatments to individuals from across the nation (and other nations).
Now people from all walks of life who suffer come to Mumbai for treatment.
Given that the hospital lies in the heart of the city - affordable lodging becomes a BIG problem. Especially for young parents with an ailing child, many of whom leave their work to cater to their baby.
Think of it like a specialty hospital that offers nearly free treatment bang in the middle of Manhattan.
To aid in these lodging issues, there are several NGOs and charities that provide conveyance and lodging to these families at no cost. A few are run by friends and I often try to get involved as much as I can.
There's a certain sense of hope amid all the despair when visiting these children. Bearing so much pain, they still manage to somehow smile when they see you. They talk to you, they ask questions etc.
I'll occassionally visit whenever I am in that side of town. Often with a bunch of Wada Pavs (local Indian delicacy, similar to a burger - a deep fried spiced potato patty in a bun), or with bagful of McDonald's Burgers. Other times it's just a whole bunch of ice creams.
A few months ago, I rented a projector and we had a whole day of just watching Pokemon movies.
//
Coming to Today
Last month, while browsing a set of products for one of ecommerce brands, I came across a pretty inexpensive handheld gaming device.
It was this beauty (sorry for the horrible pic, I don't have good lighting here at the moment)
It's just $10 and has 500 Games in it.
Every game from my childhood is in there. Both Nintendo and Sega.
There's Mario, Contra, Adventure Island. There's Double Dragon. Heck, Spartan X is on there.
So I placed an order for 50 pieces to be delivered sometimes earlier last month.
These got delivered today and I asked them to distribute it to the kids in the morning and not wait for me.
While returning from work this evening, I decided to take a short detour and visit one of the centres.
And I was greeted with 34 smiling faces. With sounds of my childhood emanating from every single room. Tiny handhelds purring in every corner.
The parents tell me the kids are the happiest. It distracts them from the pain and the pipes sticking out of them. They can be bartered in return for timely medicine consumption. They are rechargable. Don't need the Internet.
They start in a second, games load rapidly. There's a sound knob to manage the volume.
And these little cherubs are already setting high scores.
//
I DID NOT walk in there thinking I'd be so overwhelmed with happiness.
The kids know me by name now.
And since every kid got a device and there's more to spare. When these little ones finally beat the wretched disease and return home, they can take their device with them and remember their BlogPro Uncle.
//
I am VERY happy. Y'all should take advantage for me fr.
