I-Shine's Grown up !!!

Please do check out I-Shine's new avataar at :
www.liaatstmarthas.blogspot.com

How to Deal with Stroke Survivors

Lovely Video by the American Stroke Foundation sent by our I-Shiner, ANAND on how to deal with Stroke Patients. All Volunteers must view this .

June 4th 2010

1. Today the first volunteer-staff meeting of the I-Shine Project was held. It was great to see the volunteers speaking face to face with the Incharge of the Medical Records Department, Mr.Anthony. The Volunteers ( 3-5 I-Shiners), headed by ANAND was manning the Medical records desk. The tasks mainly involved filling Admission forms, clarifying doubts and directing patients to their respective doctors. This is a vital catalyst to smoothen the flow of patients in the hospital. Mr.ANTHONY was very helpful in understanding the needs of the volunteers and together, the I-shiners and the MRD staffs are making the hospital registration process more efficient. Currently, I-Shiner DHANUSH has been selected to co-ordinate the MRD sector.
   
2. I-shiner ASHFAAQ has started shooting for the small ad that we intend to make for the I-Shine Project. It does not seem as easy as we expected as a lot of co-ordination is expected. Nevertheless, good footage has been acquired. Script is being processed by JASON

1st June 2010

• Right now we have two I-Shiners, Mrs Vyjayanthi & Dr.Shinde who are interested and undergoing curses in counseling. We could have them do psychological profiling and suggest forms of therapy which can be incorporated in recreational therapies. Dr. Shinde is ready to do this every Tuesday 2pm onwards.
• We received a new volunteer , Mr. Balu, who is a retired bank Manager. He would be great in managing the Medical Records section(MRD) in the OPD.
  
• We started to form a TIME SCHEDULE for all the volunteers. Looking good and looks like MRD is being sorted out.
• Spoke to the clinicla psychologist of St.Martha's about allowing postings of counseling students to be at the stroke rehab .
  

Great going ANAND !!

24th - 29th May 2010 - the Week that was ..

The Overseas volunteers in the past have always surprised us with their dedication and zeal for the project . Last year Rahul (from Canada) & Arunjay (from the USA) spared no efforts trying to take the I-Shine message to their known circles, which included celebrities from the Kannada film industries. They also went through tough times , getting through the harsh personal secretaries of celebs and learnt many a thing of the Indian film industry.

They met people and spread the awareness of the I-Shine Message & Stroke Related concepts.

This year , we intend to do more with the new group of volunteers that we get. My sincere thanks to Mr. Venkatesh Murthy & Ms.Sinu Joseph of YFS for taking our appeal for volunteers seriously.

I-Shiner Vyjayanthi has done an excellent job in preparing ADITYA for his school that begins in the firt week of JUNE 2010. Now , she has started the same iniative with MADIHA (an Infantile STROKE case) as well. Here (photo on the right) you can see ADITYA's Session in progress.

MADIHA was born with one half of her body paralysed. she speaks a few words even though she is supposed to be going to school for a year now. What we are trying to achieve, is to make her vocalize and socialize so that she can fit in the regular schooling better.
THIS year's overseas Volunteers ; Ms.Monica and Arkansha (seen in the left) have stepped in quite well in their first week of postings. They have already mingled well with the patients (including STROKE adult and children) .Unfortunately Monica would be with us just for a week , but we will always be proud to have had her as an I-Shiner.
Arkansha would be with us for two months.
Here you see them conducting a group recreational therapy session for the children. MADIHA can be seen in the far left .

This year we have focused on giving more initiative to the volunteers. The Volunteers were allowed , much earlier to start individual sessions with patients.

Here (Above) , you can see our volunteer team leader (ANAND) helping his allotted case , Mr.MEETHALAL, to walk in the external walkway. and then taking an individual session for hand exercises and balance on Saturday 29th May.

Now that the volunteers are coming in, we are going for have a schedule fixed on a rotation system for volunteers posting at the medical records department, STROKE, and orthopaedic department. Hopefully in the comming week we have a more organized formate for the volunteers to follow. More volunteers are still required and we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Special thanks to the above mentioned volunteers, including Harini, Kavya, Dhanush, Malya, Abhishek and the many others who have spent time with us. God bless you all.

J

Meeting with YFS Health & Enviormental Co-ordinator

• Meeting highlights the Mission and Future projects of the I-Shine Project by Jason Furtado.
  
• The Enviormental Project Co-Ordinator , Mr. Vikshut, was shown various areas that could be developed around the hospital. The projects that could be taken up are : Landscaping, Eco-Awareness and No-plastic Drives, Eco-Gift Shop/Fete. He also gave an intro of the various projects being done in Bangalore.
  
• The Health Co-ordinator, Ms.Sinu, announced that there would be 2-3 foreign volunteers coming to st.Marthas. Plus , few more volunteers to help out with the Hospital volunteer axillary.
  
• The hospital PRO was also present at the meeting.
• Two volunteers were present , who would be joining on the 22nd of May 2010, 9 to 1pm, where they would meet older volunteers as well.

The I-SHINE PROJECT Home - The I-SHINE PROJECT

The I-SHINE PROJECT Home - The I-SHINE PROJECT

Beginning to make a new web page called ishine-yellowheart.wetpaint.com

Meeting with Sinu Joseph - YFS (Health Co-ord)

• Meeting was held on 19th May 2010 1.30pm
• An Update was given about the I-Shine Project's work so far and future projects.
  
• Ms.Sinu mentioned about the various health related projects at the YFS.
  
• Jason expressed his sadness that YFS has not been taking keen interest of their project here in St.Martha's
  
• Future projects that can be done include :

1. Volunteer network at St. Martha's
   
2. Eco-Projects like 'Green Serenity Corners', Eco-Friendly Gift Shop, Landscaping projects.
3. Cheers for Children : Paediatric Ward Project ( Co-ordinated by Mrs.Vyjayanthi)
   
4. Good Health Drive : Promotion of Good health & Hygiene through A-V Media.
   

• Was linked with the Environmental Sector Co-ordinator of YFS .
  
• Will be giving basic orientation to two volunteers on 21st May2010.
  
• Will have two overseas Volunteers for a period of 2 weeks to 2 months.
  
• Was assured of YFS fellowship volunteers for long term help.
  

Request to YFS to send more volunteers

There are a lot of projects to be initiated, but lack of dedicated volunteers make us hesitate, therefore we have put forward a request to the 'Youth for Seva' Head, Mr. Venkatesh Murthy , to help us out. He has promptly directed us to Ms. Sinu who is looking after the health division.

We hope to have a better response this time.

Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Mission ADITYA

• Aditya is a 5-6year old boy with profound hearing loss. He wears a hearing aid on BOTH hears. One of which I-Shiner VYJAYANTHI had sponsored to be repaired.
• Aditya's Mother is a victim of a broken marriage and finds herself struggling to come to terms with life with a child with special need.
  
• She use to take tuition , but has stopped after her husband left her. VYJAYANTHI is trying to counsel her to start again and be able to stand on her own feet.
  
• Aditya's mother is determined to put Aditya in a normal School . I'm told that she has managed to secure admission in a mission school in cottonpet. They have asked Rs. 20,000. Rs.10,000 fees and Rs.10,000 as donation.
• At present , as we do not have Speech therapy for two months (till July) , I-shiner Vyjayanthi, has volunteered to take special classes to prepare Aditya for school , atleast twice a week.
  
• Aditya will be joining school in June.
  
• We appeal for any help that you can generate for this child. for further details please write to JASON at ishine.stroke@gmail.com
  

Next Mission : Immunization Program

In continuation with the 'Angelica Mission' , we also found that many of the children were never immunized as a result of their poverty. It is a felt need that the following be done :

• A fund created for the Immunization.
  
• The sister In-Charge would identify poor newborns and inform JASON.
  
• JASON would in-turn withdraw from the fund and pay for the immunization program of the baby in need.
  
• The baby's parents would be given a copy of the receipt of payment, a copy of which would be attached to the baby's hospital CARD ( placed in our Medical record department).
  
• The family is informed to come to the hospital on the respective dates to get the child immunized 'free of cost' as the charges have already been paid.
  

Suggestion : if a small booklet of the immunization dates be printed , it would be very helpful .

Recommendation : LAKSHMI or SUKUMAR co-ordinate this Mission. Awaiting their response.

Progress: VYJAYANTHI has already submitted postdated cheques of Rs.500/ month towards the fund. JASON will also do the same. We invite sponsorers for the same.

Minutes of the Meeting on 10th April 2010

Minutes of the Meeting on 10th April 2010

Representatives from Baby Ward- Sister Christine Thomas & Sister Sharmila

From I Shine: Vyjayanthi, Lakshmi & Jason

• After a detailed discussion , following are the requirements to improve the conditions of the Pediatric Ward for CURE, CARE & COMFORT of the Patients.
• 
  
• Initiative for improvement to start with in 2 General Wards.
• To start any new project, we need to first make an estimate/ budget which would give us an idea about the success of the specific project.

We have classified the below detailed requirement into two categories;---i.e One time and Recurring.

1. Wall Writing Board with Markers-----2 Nos------ Cost---One time

2. Drawing Book with crayons-----------2 dozen----Cost- Recurring

3. Thermocol for cartoons, etc----------Few -------Cost - One time

4. Posters Involving Sports, Hygiene---Few------Cost - One time

5. Channel Music-------1 No.-----Cost one time

6. Soft Toys---------------Few------Cost - Recurring

7. Toiletry Items- Like Bathing Soap, Washing Soap, Powder, Towels [ all sample size]- Cost -Recurring

8. Flask for hot water------4 Nos---Cost recurring

9. Diapers- Plastic---------1 Dozen- Cost -Recurring

All the above would be handed over to the sister in charge who would give us the status from time to time about consumption

We now need involvement of all volunteers to come forward and contribute in the manner they are comfortable.

Kindly mention your choice of service-

[a] contribution by purchase of any of the abovementioned items .

[b] contribution by way of creative charts, posters

[c] contribution by way of counseling to the mothers and the baby patients.

Volunteers who are interested to support financially for purchase of items are requested to even find out the cost of the same, which would help us in our project budget.

Once we get the feedback, we would be making a project estimate report and circulate it .

regards

vyjayanthi

Project SMILE !! - First contact meeting 10th April 2010

A meeting was conducted with the ward sisters - Mrs. Christina & Ms.Sharmila at 2pm to 4pm .

Aim: To listen to their views and problems at the baby ward.

Main Problem :

1. Lack of hygiene in poor people.
2. Lack of space for play area.
   
3. Poor patients tend to take home blankets etc provided by hospital which make ward curb such items to be provided.
   
4. Lack of Child friendly environment.
   
5. Lack of appropriate funds for very poor patients.

I-Shiner Vyjayanthi & Lakshmi were present to take down points. There was a very productive discussion between the staff members and the volunteers.

NEXT STEP : Vyjayanthi would tabulate the discussion into a MISSION Profile and present it to the group where the next course of action would be discussed.

Survey in Baby Ward

In view of our work towards the 'Year of Smile-2010' , I-Shiners were introduced to the 'Baby (paediatric) ward of St. Martha's hospital. Basic Permissions from the Medical Superintendent was taken for ward survey.

The survey was for the following reasons :

1. To have a look at the current situation in the baby ward.
2. To open interaction between the I-Shiners and the Ward nurse Mrs. Christine.
3. To find ways that the I-Shiners could contribute in improving the QUALITY OF LIFE of the inpatients treated there.

I-Shiners that have surveyed the place till date

1. Ms. Lakshmi
2. Mr. Janaki
3. Mrs. Reena Madhukar
4. Mr. Rakesh
5. Mr. Ashfaaq with his two new recruits (law students from his college)
   

Observations :
a. Although the place is very clean , it lacked the feel of a paediatric ward.
b. There was a small aquarium that was empty with just one fish. This can be improved for the entertainment of the children.
c. The walls and windows are empty.
e. There was no play area or toys for the children.
f. There is entry only for mothers and children. Men are not allowed as there are mothers nursing infants in the wards.
g. The ward houses infants (newborns) to aged 12.

Scope of help :

1. Some form of entertainment for the children.
   
2. Some form of emotional support and play therapy for the children
3. Toys for the children.
   
4. Environment can be made child friendly .

Ideas so far...

• Try and make small stuffed toys for the children for play.
  
• Make colorful posters and charts for children.
  
• Give children educational games and art work to keep them busy .
• Any type of nutritional items for the kids. ( Bourvita Kidz)
  

Agenda :
Once the surveys are complete, we can decide of the help we can provide and the budget for it .

2010 - I-Shine's YEAR of the SMILE !!

This year is dedicated to the poor and needy Children. We entitle the year 2010 as the I-Shine's year of the SMILE.

Aim : to bring a smile to as many children as possible in the coming year...

We request you help , support and good wishes..

I-SHINERS Look what you have DONE !!!

It wasn;t even a year ago, when the deranged mother of a MASTER BHARATH came to us almost pleading for the life of her child.

She had high Blood pressure during pregnancy, resulting in a premature delivery, with the child having eposides of FITS.

The father of the child refused to accept the child and told the mother that if she wanted him to take care of 'such' a child, she would have to bring ONE LAKH with her.

She, hence was forced to leave her husband to stay in her brother's house. She currently makes her living making 'kumkum' packets.

BHARATH was at that point a very hyperactive child who could not be carried and was not able to stand or raise his head. the only way the boy could move was to drag his bottom on the floor which were full of friction soars. Ths mother could clearly NOT AFFORD treatment.

At that point, YOU I-Shiners Stepped in and SPONSORED his treatment.. after a year's intensive therapy, this is the result we have achived. Today, for the first time.. Master bharath stood on his feet with minimal support.



If it were not for the I-shiner's who please giving master bharath Free treatment by your sponsorship, Master bharath would have further degenerated life.

THANK YOU I-SHINERS for saving this Child's life and restoring hope in his mother.