CHIME turns 8 on World Heart Day – Happy faces on a wonderful day

“The merit of CHIME is to deliver timely help at the right moment”
Mrs. Mallika Mohandas
Chairman – MIOT International

It is heartening to note that in this short span of 8 years, CHIME together with MIOT Centre for Children’s Cardiac Care have undertaken more than 800 free / subsidized heart surgeries for children coming from poor socio-economic status.

The day started very early – the Pediatric Cardiology Department and the CHIME Office was resonating with the chatter of little one’s with their parents- there was an air of gaiety and happiness all around. The families and children were happy to meet us without pain, on par, as friends rather than patients at a hospital. I think it was celebration time for us too as we saw the drastic change in our patients. They had grown and changed and had to introduce themselves. Vignesh who came when he was about 14 years is a tall gentleman, now in his 3rd year in Engineering College, as also Padayappa and Arun who are in their 10th standard. Strong young men they are today. We were touched they all took the day off for CHIME along with their parents.

Soon the CHIME office was flooded with children – such a joy – and a real respite listening to the happy sounds of children’s laughter, breaking the silence of the otherwise serious and intense work that happens here. The office was transformed into a fun place for children with decorations and a huge cake, and children hovering around. All of them wanted to cut the cake. And many hands clutched the knife. Some were blowing the candles.

We were really happy and fortunate to have Dr. Manjunath from L&T. Our Chairman, Mrs. Mallika Mohandas, received him and patients/parents along with Dr. Robert, Dr.Sangeetha, Dr. Shrinivasan and Dr. Bhagyavathy were there.

Most touching was the contribution of Satish Kumar, father of 1 year old Yashash who recently had his surgery at MIOT International aided by CHIME. A daily laborer in the city, he said he had had work all through the month of September and it was his wish that his donation to CHIME today would help another child. Vignesh said – one day I will become an Engineer and from my first salary I want to give something for a child with heart disease. You do not know what you have done for me.

The free camp was happening simultaneously – part of the CHIME’s birthday celebration – and children and families came from different places with the hope that they will find help and solace for their health Issues.

We had a magic show for the children who brought the crescendo of sounds of children down, only to be drowning the place with clapping and exclamations at the tricks the magician showed them. A wonderful memorable day – well spent. Each family went home with a sapling – a gift from CHIME – of the famous plant Karpooravalli or Plectranthusamboinicus which is the botanical name.