How things worked out was truly amazing. How Ms,. Nitasha was prompted to get in touch and faithfully secured an appointment with mr. Ian who obliged to come and speak to the patients. The first thing that flashed me was the designation of a ‘transformer’ that Mr.Ian had put in his card. How unique and exciting! It was truly humbling t see such renowned people take a bit of their time and effort to come and put a smile of patient’s faces.
Nitasha had the place setup nicely for the talk. It was a pity that no other volunteer from St. Josephs showed up, because it would be inspiring for them to watch the transformation happen .
The talk lasted and bit more than half an hour, but it was impactful, judging from the smile on peoples faces.. We hope to schedule more such talks at least once a month for the patients. Tentative date for the next talk is on 13th jan 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
6th December 2008, Saturday Volunteers Orientation Meeting (Absolutely Excellent !!)
‘It was absolutely excellent!’ Exclaimed Mr. Gopal Krishna as he waved good bye. His black blazer and purple striped tie neatly draped over his forearm as he walked to his car. It was already passed 4pm as I closed the department for the day, but its didn’t matter as, Mr.Gopal Krishna’s honest remark resonated in my ears. I was a milestone, no doubt. A Day to be remembered. The day we had our first volunteer orientation for the I-shine Project.
Venue : St. Martha’s Stroke Rehab centre (physio wing)
Time : 2pm – 3pm
Present : Mr. Jason Furtado (I/C), Ms. Nitasha Noronha (Staff/ coordinator), Ms. Bhavani (Staff), Mr. Manjunath (staff), Sr.Grace (Prison Ministry , Nagpur) , Mr.Gopal Krishna (Stock Broker/Volunteer), Mr. Ranjith (Marine engineer/ Advisory ) , Mr.Chandrashekar (Stroke Survivor/Volunteer), Physiotherapy Interns , NSS students from St.Josephs (6).
The Orientation program was designed to be of a casual discovery circle format, where participants would be relaxed and yet be able to participate in the discussion.
1.A Welcome was extended by Mr. Jason Furtado to all dignitaries present.
2.Introduction of each Participant.
3.Mr. Gopal Krishna Gave a motivational talk entitled – ‘Just a little Push’. The talk was not only inspiring but also surprisingly very down to earth and humorous. I perfect talk, I must say, with anecdotes of why we tend to remember the great-great grandparents of the Gandhis, but not our own!! We remember them because society remembers people who lived (and died) for others!. The Gopal went on to thanks the volunteers to spending their valuable time here rather than what other young people do during their holidays. They were sacrificing their value time for a valuable cause. A cause for which people would thank them in the future. As the cause not only gives a chance to do recreational therapies, but also helps in the awareness of stroke , its prevention , rehab and preparedness of an attack. This is an important key. When a person knows what to do at the time of an attack, he is bound to save a live for which the I-shine shall be responsible. The Talk was extremely inspiring and meaningful.
4. Mr. Chandrashekar (Stroke survivor) shared his experience followed by answering questions from the volunteers. This enables the volunteers to see first hand that young people can also get stroke and how communication problems (speech problems) can arise.
5. Ms. Nitasha gave a brief introduction on what the I-Shine project was all about and how we needed people to help us in three categories (Recreational Therapies, Awareness Campaign & Motivational Services )
a.Recreational Therapies: games that were therapeutically designed to help patient learn coping strategies, Improve Motor and higher functions WITH an element of fun.
b.Awareness campaigns: Would spread the word about stroke using print, Audio visual aids and Arts .
c.Motivational Campaign is being with the patient and helping in therapy and motivating them.
6.A discussion and question answer session followed.
7.The choice of being a part of I-shine was left to them. The students took many brochures to give to their college mates.
8.Volunteer badges were given to already registered volunteers.
9.The meeting ended with a promise to grow and shine!!. The next meeting would be intimated by personal Correspondence.
Venue : St. Martha’s Stroke Rehab centre (physio wing)
Time : 2pm – 3pm
Present : Mr. Jason Furtado (I/C), Ms. Nitasha Noronha (Staff/ coordinator), Ms. Bhavani (Staff), Mr. Manjunath (staff), Sr.Grace (Prison Ministry , Nagpur) , Mr.Gopal Krishna (Stock Broker/Volunteer), Mr. Ranjith (Marine engineer/ Advisory ) , Mr.Chandrashekar (Stroke Survivor/Volunteer), Physiotherapy Interns , NSS students from St.Josephs (6).
The Orientation program was designed to be of a casual discovery circle format, where participants would be relaxed and yet be able to participate in the discussion.
1.A Welcome was extended by Mr. Jason Furtado to all dignitaries present.
2.Introduction of each Participant.
3.Mr. Gopal Krishna Gave a motivational talk entitled – ‘Just a little Push’. The talk was not only inspiring but also surprisingly very down to earth and humorous. I perfect talk, I must say, with anecdotes of why we tend to remember the great-great grandparents of the Gandhis, but not our own!! We remember them because society remembers people who lived (and died) for others!. The Gopal went on to thanks the volunteers to spending their valuable time here rather than what other young people do during their holidays. They were sacrificing their value time for a valuable cause. A cause for which people would thank them in the future. As the cause not only gives a chance to do recreational therapies, but also helps in the awareness of stroke , its prevention , rehab and preparedness of an attack. This is an important key. When a person knows what to do at the time of an attack, he is bound to save a live for which the I-shine shall be responsible. The Talk was extremely inspiring and meaningful.
4. Mr. Chandrashekar (Stroke survivor) shared his experience followed by answering questions from the volunteers. This enables the volunteers to see first hand that young people can also get stroke and how communication problems (speech problems) can arise.
5. Ms. Nitasha gave a brief introduction on what the I-Shine project was all about and how we needed people to help us in three categories (Recreational Therapies, Awareness Campaign & Motivational Services )
a.Recreational Therapies: games that were therapeutically designed to help patient learn coping strategies, Improve Motor and higher functions WITH an element of fun.
b.Awareness campaigns: Would spread the word about stroke using print, Audio visual aids and Arts .
c.Motivational Campaign is being with the patient and helping in therapy and motivating them.
6.A discussion and question answer session followed.
7.The choice of being a part of I-shine was left to them. The students took many brochures to give to their college mates.
8.Volunteer badges were given to already registered volunteers.
9.The meeting ended with a promise to grow and shine!!. The next meeting would be intimated by personal Correspondence.
Friday, December 5, 2008
5th December 2008 - Mr. John's First visit
At 11am, the PRO brought in Mr. John, the leader of the NSS group at St.Josephs. Although we were busy, I was quite happy that he saw the departement on a busy day. he realized the layers tasks that were were performing and also that there were yount people suffering from stroke related disabilities too.
I was told that there were about 35-40 intrested. There was a pause when he said that from myside. That was unexpected !! I told him quite frankly that were would prefer a smaller number so that we could expand in time . He agreed. He said that he would convey the same to the group and come back tommorw for the orientation program.
I was also told that the two new recruits (MBA students would also be joining us as well as Mr. Ranjith. This was a good sign as I had thought that Mr.Rajith who was with us during Dr.Usha's time (the other NGO) wasn;t very happy of the way things were going. I hope he would be able to guide us with this association .
In the evening, Nitasha, bhavani and I had a meeting to touch base on what would transpire tommorw. Basically a breif intro with dynamic speakers like our first Ishine Volenteer, Mr. Gopalkrishna ( a very talented speaker) , Mr. Chandrashekar ( a stroke survivor himself) . Although the meeting was to be formal, we decided to keept a casual feel to it so that the voluteers would be at easy. I think it would work. Lets see... I'l keep you posted.. wish us luck !!
I was told that there were about 35-40 intrested. There was a pause when he said that from myside. That was unexpected !! I told him quite frankly that were would prefer a smaller number so that we could expand in time . He agreed. He said that he would convey the same to the group and come back tommorw for the orientation program.
I was also told that the two new recruits (MBA students would also be joining us as well as Mr. Ranjith. This was a good sign as I had thought that Mr.Rajith who was with us during Dr.Usha's time (the other NGO) wasn;t very happy of the way things were going. I hope he would be able to guide us with this association .
In the evening, Nitasha, bhavani and I had a meeting to touch base on what would transpire tommorw. Basically a breif intro with dynamic speakers like our first Ishine Volenteer, Mr. Gopalkrishna ( a very talented speaker) , Mr. Chandrashekar ( a stroke survivor himself) . Although the meeting was to be formal, we decided to keept a casual feel to it so that the voluteers would be at easy. I think it would work. Lets see... I'l keep you posted.. wish us luck !!
Monday, December 1, 2008
1st December '08 - St. Joseph's come'n'see
Being world AIDS day the group from st. josephs came and did a street play about AIDS awareness in front of the CCU . Then the small group came in to see the department . Ms. Nitasha showed them around. Its was a short visit at the fag end of the day, nevertheless, its was a second milestone crossed.. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday 29th Nov 2008 - Segregation of duties
Today I called a meeting of the physios . Manjunath, Bhavani, Nitasha and I met at the end of the day. The exhaustion of the week was evident on their faces. I almost hesitated to place another yolk on their shoulders, but it gave me consolation that the excitement of the job would lift them up .
Mr. Manjunath, being a postgraduate was assigned the task of the 'Stroke Smart Campaign' . this would be a campaign to spread stroke awareness though audio-visual means , with the the help of volunteers. This would include making models , charts, academic input for the drams as well.
Ms. Bhavani was given the task of coordinating the indoor volunteers. once the volunteers come, Bhavani would regulate their placements and assignment of cases to them. I felt that Bhavani would be open to the challenge as I feel she has great potential , given the proper challenges.
Mr. Kulbhushan (Absent currently) was given the grand yolk of formulating and regulating the recreational therapies. and maintaining the Family tree that he had made of all the patients .
Ms, Nitasha was give the responsibility to co-ordinate the external associations and organizations. The outreach programs done outside the hospital premises by the volunteers.
She was too , to regulate and co-ordinate the timings and patients for the counselor possibly coming to help us out.
The chores didn't quite set in as per the blank look on their faces.. I will have to see the reactions on Monday .. Whatever it maybe.. I'm glad they are a aprt of my team .. I could'nt have chossen better .
Mr. Manjunath, being a postgraduate was assigned the task of the 'Stroke Smart Campaign' . this would be a campaign to spread stroke awareness though audio-visual means , with the the help of volunteers. This would include making models , charts, academic input for the drams as well.
Ms. Bhavani was given the task of coordinating the indoor volunteers. once the volunteers come, Bhavani would regulate their placements and assignment of cases to them. I felt that Bhavani would be open to the challenge as I feel she has great potential , given the proper challenges.
Mr. Kulbhushan (Absent currently) was given the grand yolk of formulating and regulating the recreational therapies. and maintaining the Family tree that he had made of all the patients .
Ms, Nitasha was give the responsibility to co-ordinate the external associations and organizations. The outreach programs done outside the hospital premises by the volunteers.
She was too , to regulate and co-ordinate the timings and patients for the counselor possibly coming to help us out.
The chores didn't quite set in as per the blank look on their faces.. I will have to see the reactions on Monday .. Whatever it maybe.. I'm glad they are a aprt of my team .. I could'nt have chossen better .
24th November 2008 - St. Joseph's experience
The Reality of the I-Shine project finally dawned on me as I walked into the grand halls of the prestigious st. Josephs college. We, i.e. the PRO, Nitasha and myself were there to present the I-Shine project to a group of volunteers working under the center for social concern . Although we joked about it, the nervousness was clear on our faces. There would be a thin line between being awed by the group from doing such a noble job and being laughing stock. Young people are so unpredictable.
The presentation went okay in a classroom of about 50. Some listened attentively, some looked un ntrested , but many were moved to sniffs. I felt the response was good. The chill air of the cyclone 'Nisha' tormenting nearby chennai gave the tinge of excietment another boost.
We left the venue to allow the presenation to set. in .. we were to know about it the next day .. Will keep you posted ..
The presentation went okay in a classroom of about 50. Some listened attentively, some looked un ntrested , but many were moved to sniffs. I felt the response was good. The chill air of the cyclone 'Nisha' tormenting nearby chennai gave the tinge of excietment another boost.
We left the venue to allow the presenation to set. in .. we were to know about it the next day .. Will keep you posted ..
Stepping stones..
The first step we had taken was to have an NGO help us initiate the Wellness program . The idea was that as the NGO would be established in their methods, it would be a welcomed addition to our idea of expanding to Rehabilitation package to a much more wholistic level.
An MOU(memorandome of understanding) was established with blind faith in each other. Minor details like the qualifications and the number of volenteers were overlooked. This turned out to be crucial with time as it was to affect the quality of the services provided and professional accountibility.
One this was clear that this wasn't and ambitious project. It was an emotional one . And emotions are quite volatile to handle sometimes.
The Connection with the NGO was established through a good frind of mine. But sadly , in time, our frindship was scarred by the conduct of the NGO. My frindship was the first martyr for a good cause. Nevertheless all was not lost. These sort of experiences help us to work at a much more mature level.
A potential loss of the NGOs suport meant diappointing stroke survivors that were expecting to congrigate on sceduled dates. Nevertheless , I was ready to let negotiations work its way in its time.
The I-Shine project was no child's play, and certianly not at the expense of survivors. Me, being in the centre , between the hospital management and the patients , could not tolerate things being done in a slack fashion. One had take a firm stand on certian issues, which I did. Like asking the NGO to clearly outline in methods of working, list of volenteers, a comitment to the cause as a sole provider of such a facility and spreading in colaboration with the hospital. these had to be done to regulate a safe , qualitative wleness program. Signing and MOU on blind faith was one thing, Exposing patients to people blindly was another !!
The good thing, I must add, that came out of this exercise was the motivation to initiate stuff on our own. We started looking beyond the scope of the NGO and started brodening our horizons.. This has given us a renew fire to place our faith in the divine healer.. and help us to let our light , truely shine !!
An MOU(memorandome of understanding) was established with blind faith in each other. Minor details like the qualifications and the number of volenteers were overlooked. This turned out to be crucial with time as it was to affect the quality of the services provided and professional accountibility.
One this was clear that this wasn't and ambitious project. It was an emotional one . And emotions are quite volatile to handle sometimes.
The Connection with the NGO was established through a good frind of mine. But sadly , in time, our frindship was scarred by the conduct of the NGO. My frindship was the first martyr for a good cause. Nevertheless all was not lost. These sort of experiences help us to work at a much more mature level.
A potential loss of the NGOs suport meant diappointing stroke survivors that were expecting to congrigate on sceduled dates. Nevertheless , I was ready to let negotiations work its way in its time.
The I-Shine project was no child's play, and certianly not at the expense of survivors. Me, being in the centre , between the hospital management and the patients , could not tolerate things being done in a slack fashion. One had take a firm stand on certian issues, which I did. Like asking the NGO to clearly outline in methods of working, list of volenteers, a comitment to the cause as a sole provider of such a facility and spreading in colaboration with the hospital. these had to be done to regulate a safe , qualitative wleness program. Signing and MOU on blind faith was one thing, Exposing patients to people blindly was another !!
The good thing, I must add, that came out of this exercise was the motivation to initiate stuff on our own. We started looking beyond the scope of the NGO and started brodening our horizons.. This has given us a renew fire to place our faith in the divine healer.. and help us to let our light , truely shine !!
In the begining .. there was nothing ..
In the beginning there was nothing.. Then there was light !! A sudden realization that this vision had to be realized. A sudden , almost tormenting urge to strive to achieve that goal or forfeit some sort of damnation for not doing the best you could have !!
Such was the realization of the 'I-Shine Project' .
I-Shine !! Such an animating phrase that just lifts your spirit when you say it .. just try saying it aloud ..
I-Shine !
I-SHINE !!
Brilliant, isn't it ? How one word can lift your spirit !! how one touch of compassion can give hope to the hopeless.. How one person who dares to think out of the box can save the lives of many ..
People say why ?? I say 'WHY NOT !!'
Why can;t we , for a change step out of our comfortable little recipe protocols of ideally treating a disease and not a 'Human' patient !! How is it that we tend to be lost so much in the recovery of the patient that we forget to see the 'PATIENT' itself ?!!
I-Shine is a dream that dares to confront the traditional rehabilitation protocol. I-Shine will prove that if your treat the patients heart ( pun intended) you will save his life..
Rehabilitation is not done TO the patient.. it is done WITH the patient.
I-Shine is the humanization of therapy. I-Shine be a new way of healing rather than simple 'curing'.
Welcome to our dream of the I-Shine Project !!
Such was the realization of the 'I-Shine Project' .
I-Shine !! Such an animating phrase that just lifts your spirit when you say it .. just try saying it aloud ..
I-Shine !
I-SHINE !!
Brilliant, isn't it ? How one word can lift your spirit !! how one touch of compassion can give hope to the hopeless.. How one person who dares to think out of the box can save the lives of many ..
People say why ?? I say 'WHY NOT !!'
Why can;t we , for a change step out of our comfortable little recipe protocols of ideally treating a disease and not a 'Human' patient !! How is it that we tend to be lost so much in the recovery of the patient that we forget to see the 'PATIENT' itself ?!!
I-Shine is a dream that dares to confront the traditional rehabilitation protocol. I-Shine will prove that if your treat the patients heart ( pun intended) you will save his life..
Rehabilitation is not done TO the patient.. it is done WITH the patient.
I-Shine is the humanization of therapy. I-Shine be a new way of healing rather than simple 'curing'.
Welcome to our dream of the I-Shine Project !!
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