Thank you all that volunteered for the Eye Camp : Operation One Trip yesterday, the 6th of March, 2010.

21 Bhutanese refugees were diagnosed and prescribed glasses. Given the short notice, it was not easy to organize this event successfully. However, the firm resolve of SWAT (Sewa War on Adversity Team) wouldn't let these people down.

It was because of your efforts that a difference will be made in the life of the likes of Tika Upreti, an elderly lady who can not walk much and therefore may not have made it to the clinic herself and who does not have any medicare/medicaid. Or for that matter, Maidani Mainali who as was diaganosed yesterday, may have Gloucoma and requires further tests to establish the same.He also does not have any medicare/medicaid.

Dr. Indira Menon, her family, friends and staff did a magnificent job as always. Special thanks to her little 5 year old daughter (our youngest volunteer) who sat patiently throughout the duration of the eye camp and made the atmosphere lighter :-). And did I tell you that she colors really well ?

All the youngsters that volunteered: Usha, Akul, Ananya, Rohan and Malavika radiate the serenity and composure not very common in people their age. Hopefully, this time their certificates will arrive earlier than the next Eye Camp :-).

If this was a SWAT operation, then Surya ji was certainly the star commando. After the eye camp he went to stick up the Holi posters in the Decatur area.
Last heard, he was running some fever and cold, but still not giving up his SEWA efforts...somebody please prevent him from gettting the "Amar Shaheed" title before its too late :-).

Special thanks to our interpreters : Tika Ram, Vallabh and Anju Chetri (the girl actually came as a patient and ended up volunteering for the whole duration).

We also thank our new volunteers:Chandra, Raghu, Dr. Naren Gupta and Rachna ji.

Finally, thanks to our old warhorses Nagesh ji and Nika ji.

Those who came to help are thanked. We look forward to your continued support .
Those who did not, we hope to get your support in future.
You know, it is easy to dismiss all these refugees as opportunists and to say that they don't deserve any help.
The challenge is to identify the needy and support them in whatever way possible.
The community becomes strong by making the members strong. There is no other way.

--
Prashant Bhardwaj
P.S: Many patients have complications and require further tests/treatment. Volunteers welcome.