First of all I would like to congratulate all of TEAM VINAY for our efforts and success so far. All of us as a team have been recognized by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for our accomplishments, and on November 2nd my father accepted an award on behalf of Team Vinay. We were presented with the Lieutenant General Frank E. Peterson Jr. award. This award is given to an individual, group, or organization for their participation with the NMDP for exemplary efforts in recruiting a substantial amount of minorities on the national bone marrow registry. So congratulations to you all, every single one of you deserve this award! We should be proud of our accomplishments thus far.
As for me things are going well. I now only have to go in for check-ups once in ten days instead of the 2-3 times a week. My counts are looking good and everyday I seem to get more of my energy back. I take walks when the weather permits…I did take a little jog the other day to test my stamina….I am really out of shape/deconditioned,. After a short jog I was huffing and puffing and it took me a while to catch my breath. But I have to say that it felt good to get the blood flowing. Rashmi bought me some dumbbells and I have slowly started some light weightlifting (trust me its light weight). I spend most of my days watching a lot of sports on TV. Recently I have gotten bored of television so I am trying to make myself more useful around the apartment and I finally finished reading the Lance Armstrong book for the second time, now I am starting to read the Kite Runner.
I know things are going well and I was blessed to have a bone marrow transplant, but there are others out there that are still waiting for a donor. One such person is Sonia Kumar. She is 38 years old and married to Udaya. They have two wonderful boys, Vinay (age 7) and Vishnu (age 4). She is a practicing dentist and was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. She is need for a donor. There is another teenage boy that I know who is suffering from a blood disorder(beta thalessemia) and needs a donor. I guess what I am trying to say is that we need to continue spreading the word about registering committed donors.
--- Love, Vinay.
Excellent News
Hi Vinay and Rashmi,
So happy to read that things are going well with you. Good luck in everything and hope 2008 will be an year to ward off all your fears and fulfill all your wishes.
ALL THE BEST:-)))
Beena and Sumanth
Kick ass
You're kicking ass Vinay! Keep it up.
Hey SuperMan!!!! :) Suuuuuuuuuuupppppppp!! LOL
Hey Vinay,
Its very good to see you doing great. Great Progress. I wanted to say keep strong and smiling. You are one of the many miracles. I am glad prayers were answered. I just wanted to say though it had been a long time that I written to you but it doesnt mean I dont pray for you. You are in my heart forever. Anyways SuperMan Stay Kool, Strong, Smile, and Enjoy Life to the fullest. You are blessed that you been saved by God and those that supported you. I hope you all organize massive nationwide drives for others that need help. Similar to your drives. The fight isnt over; many people out there need help. God Bless You and your family always. Take Good Care.
BTW Destiny's Child "I'm A Survivor" , Hero By Mariah Carey, and Stronger By Spears are great songs to listen. I hope you do listen to them once. You'll love it.
You know Vinay, during the summer I written to you saying, you'll find a match and recover and look back saying what I strong person I become. These songs and all will make you reflect on that. You came so far, you destroyed your obstacles, and everything. You are a Stronger person than Yesterday. And you know what everyday in your life, you will be stronger, wiser, and better each day. That's the great part. Take Good Care Vinay.
Lots of Love to you and your family,
Alpa
Hi Vinay
Vinay and Rashmi,
Belated Happy Thanksgiving and belated birthday wishes to Rashmi.
Vinay, it is heartening to know that you are recovering. With all our best wishes and prayers, you will be cruising through your recovery and come out a stronger person. Waiting to see you both in L.A.
Sudha Prakash
congrats!
vinay,
been pulling for you throughout, i'm so relieved to know that you are winning your fight. unlike the cal bear football team. we are so accustomed to tragedy in this day and age that it's inspiring to see a success story. hope to see you soon, continued success and health...
::brent
Dear Vinay and Rashmi, Glad
Dear Vinay and Rashmi,
Glad to read the update and happy to know that Vinay is recovering well. Congratulations as well to Team Vinay with the award... both of you as well as everyone part of the team have set numerous examples to follow. We will always have both of you in our prayers.
Love always,
Priya
Hi
Vinay & Rashmi,
Great news. I was checking regularly and was concerned when there was no news. But again, no news is good news. I want to thank Partha, Hema, & Uma for giving me an opportunity to be part of this drive.
Ramesh Shamarao
Dear Vinay, Good update.
Dear Vinay,
Good update. Touch wood and knock wood. God Bless.
Love,
Vasan.
Happy Birthday Rashmi
It was nice to see an update from Vinay.We pray that you get stronger, lifting a few ounces more everyday.
We read the heartwarming account in LA times recently.We are so proud to be part of Team Vinay.
The Hindu Temple in Pasadena had given us their premises three times,to run the drive and all the devotees of the
temple send their prayers to you.Rashmi,I hope you celebrated your birthday with Vinay,we were all thinking of you.
Our everlasting love to both of you,
Lakshman Uncle, Viji auntie and Ashwini
Good to hear from you. Glad
Good to hear from you. Glad you are doign well. What's news with Sameer? Has he found a donor?
Hi Vinay, So good to see an
Hi Vinay,
So good to see an update from you, and I'm so happy to hear that you are doing well. Your positive attitude towards everything always amazes me. Congratulations on the award, both you and every single person who is a part of Team Vinay truly deserves it!
Take care,
shruthi
Good to hear
Hi Vinay,
It was an update long due form your end and we are releived and happy to hear that you are doing good. Hats off to you. Do well.
Our prayers are with you.
Regards
Kannan Partha
great news! thanks for
great news! thanks for updating us all :) seriously, i check this thing all the time.
give rashmi a big hug and a "hi" for me!
love, aditi
Hello
Vinay:
So glad to hear you're doing better. Keep up the positive attitude! I check your site almost daily and was getting a bit concerned when I didn't see a message in many days. Anyway, wish you and your family the best. Take care.
Your Friend,
Shakieb Orgunwall
NMDP Award
Hi Sudha
Thank you for congratulatory message. Actually the Award is for Everyone in TEAM VINAY including you who put in lots of their time(weekends and weekdays) to create the Awareness amongst the South Asian Community. I only accepted the Award on behalf of the TEAM VINAY. Thank you for your continued support.
Partha
Great news from you.
Hi Vinay,
Good to know that your are doing better. God bless you and Rashmi.
Rami
Dearest Vinay, Phew! What a
Dearest Vinay,
Phew! What a relief...we were really worried since there had been no updates for a month. Great news! Happy for you and wish only the best for you and Rashmi. Please do update whenever you can. Even if it is a oneliner..
Congratulations!
Hi Vinay,
Thanks a lot for the update. I have been checking your website frequently for the updates. It is good to know that you are getting back to normal. Congratulations to your father on winning the award. He deserves it! Wishing you and Rashmi all the best!
I hope our community doesn't stop at this. We still have to find donors for others. I am willing to volunteer my time for the drives. I didn't see/hear of any in the LA county area.
Sudha Prakash
Happy for you Guys
Hi Vinay
Was very anxious to know about your recovery and checked for updates every day. Finally i got to read it today, that your doing good and you guys have been awarded for the great work, Congraulations.
Am very happy that your recovery is going on the smooth track and thank you for the update.
With love and prayers
Sujatha
hello
Congrats on the award! I am glad that you are doing much better, and I pray that you will be back to your normal/healthy-self in no time! I wish the best for you and ur family/friends.
Preeti
Thanks
Vinay,
What a proud moment for our community! Thank you for starting this movement. Now it is our responsibility to keep going so that we can help others in need. We are so glad to hear that you are doing well. You are a source of strength and hope for many others that are trying to win the war against cancer.
Saily and Rajiv
Happy for You & Rashmi
Hi Vinay & Rashmi
Wonderful to hear that you are recovering well and keeping your mind and body fit by reading morale boosting books and exercise.
We are happy for you & your wife Rashmi.
May God bless you with all the happiness, health, peace in whatever you and Rashmi do.
Love
VN & All my Loved Ones
Excellent update..
Vinay,
Thank you for updating us on your progress and congratulations on the award. It is a wonderful service to the community. Keep marching on the path of recovery. Our best wishes and prayers ..
- Rucha and Jignesh