Saturday February 8th
Jute and Phillip set off bright and early to visit some of the recipients of HHI support, key people who assist HHI in India, and also meet needy and vulnerable people. Read on…
Nihara
Two-year-old Nihara who had a successful cleft pallet operation funded by HHI is now able to consume liquid and soft foods. To show her appreciation for her daughter’s improvements, Mum has had her hair cut off and gifted at the temple. Nihara will need another operation when she is about 7.
Nihara’s cleft lip sorted
Nihara- Mum gave hair to temple as thanks.
At a private Ayurvedic hospital Sheela (Santhosh’s wife) is being treated by Ayurveda Doctors for Parkinson’s Disease and breathing issues. Santhosh was there with her and was very pleased to see us. Sheela has her own room, regular therapy and good attention, and Santhosh is very much on hand. He looks well but has glaucoma issues and one eye is not functioning well.
Sheela and Santhosh
Shanti Bhavan -Johnny and Rani
We had a lovely reception from the 37 male residents at Shanti Bhavan. Some were keen to chat using a few words of English, smile for pictures, and ask questions while they enjoyed the cake and drinks we gave them.
Shanti Bhavan men having their cake and juice
Residents at Shanti Bhavan.
Treats for Shanti Bhavan
The new roof, paid for by HHI, is looking good and the place in general is well maintained. We discussed with Rani and Johnny the possibility of the men growing some tomatoes, watering them and caring for them in addition to cleaning and firewood cutting. Some people come in from the neighbouring church community and say prayers with the men.
SFHHI money was given to Johnny and Rani to pay the water bill Rs 8,053 (£72).
Shibu
We lunched with Shibu. He looks well and although he was not very talkative, he was very polite and courteous.
He requested 2 walking frames for his patients which we purchased with SFHHI money and delivered to the hospital. We were not allowed to take photos of the 6 very poorly male patients – they were frail, legs in plaster and unable to move.
The other needs required by Shibu for his patients included diapers, protein powder, an inflatable mattress cover to avoid bed sores, and we also purchased toothbrushes and toothpaste. SFHHI money used for these commodities and Shibu will take them to the hospital for his patients.
Shibu was delighted with his special gift requested by SFHHI. The new trousers and t- shirt were a perfect fit. Phillip was also given some new clothes. Another well deserved gift.
Gift for Shibu-new outfit
Shibu purchased walking frames -SFHHI money
Shibu patients Diapers-mattress cover -protein powder
Dion
Ten-year-old Dion has cerebral palsy. He used to attend Happy Valley but then 2 years ago Dion’s lung collapsed after a bout of pneumonia.
Dion’s mother, Deepa’ and his and Grandmother, Syamala, look after Dion in their small flat 24/7 – holding him, feeding him with protein powder, ensuring the oxygen cylinder and tubes are in position, and changing his nappies. They need to buy diapers, and many prescribed medicines as well as pay for electricity which is used for the constant supply of oxygen. Dad is a coolie and works on building sites wherever he can.
HHI is already giving some money each month to help this sad situation and some additional SFHHI money was given to them to help with all their needs.
Phillip agrees that in the future maybe the Happy Valley physio people could visit and support the mother and grandmother with some muscle strengthening movements.
Dion with Mum and Grandma – Copy