Galvanized

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This is the best tip I have ever received (a million thanks, Zuni). From Vinay, himself:

Good news everyone. I found a match. It is not a perfect match but it is a 9/10 match. The donor is extremely committed. His commitment is so strong that he was willing to pre-pone his stem cell donation to fit my doctor’s recommendations. I can’t express how much this means to me. In the past I wrote about how one of the potential donors became “unavailable” due to a lack of family support. This is not the case here. You, as volunteers and activists, deserve the credit in the change in our community’s mentality and their conviction to be a COMMITTED DONOR.
Tomorrow morning I will begin my journey into the transplant process. I will be admitted and have several procedures done, including placement of 2 Hickman catheters. The transplant will be a long and arduous process but your support and well wishes will get me through these difficult times. I love reading all the “show of support” comments and it really brightens my spirits.
Team Vinay should be proud of all it has accomplished. In the short few months that you all have been active, we have registered over 23,000 South Asians. This is clearly over a 20% increase to the existing number of S. Asians on the registry. And as you may know a few of the marrow registrants through Team Vinay drives have already been contacted as being potential donors for others in our community. Through your tireless efforts we have also achieved a few more significant goals. Team Vinay, working along with NMDP, is responsible for implementing a protocol for culturally competent callbacks for potential S. Asian donors. Another wonderful outcome is the creation of a S. Asian specific website that will serve as a sustainable informational and educational tool for our community for the years to come. The content of the website is growing and will include input from key Team Vinay members – it should be up and running next month!
This past week has been amazing. I have enjoyed my short yet fulfilling week at home, spending time with Rashmi and other family and friends. We watched Rush Hour 3, had a BBQ and played dominoes. Thank you all again for your unwavering support and well wishes. Much love to you all; Vinay. [HelpVinay.org]

What an exquisitely emotional moment.

Put aside, for a mere second, the pain of division among the diverse strains of our community, the separateness of our faiths, the suspicion and cynicism with which we behold and other each other.

We did it.

Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Punjabi, Tamil, Gujurati, Kashmiri, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali…I saw it with my own eyes. At event after event, you stepped forward, to give the tiniest bit of yourself, with the intention of saving a stranger’s life. The power of this community is breathtaking, when we are willing to come together, for a cause. Thank you, mutineers. For every tiny thing which you do, which affects the world in ways you may never or cannot possibly know, thank you.

55 thoughts on “Galvanized”

  2. Moved to tears. I went to the drive at the Livermore temple in Northern Cal and was blown away by the dedication of the volunteers. Their zeal in itself convinced me that we were all a part of something really big here. Fingers toes and every other appendage crossed that all goes A OK.

  3. Anna, Thanks for the good news ! I am so happy for Vinay and family .Their perseverance aided along by all the good work by family, volunteers, SM and other blogs has paid off I hope .

  4. I heard this news this past weekend while working a drive with his cousin. It is great news but I caution people that the fact that it is a 9/10 match is grounds for cautious optimism but not all out celebration…yet.

  6. It is great news but I caution people that the fact that it is a 9/10 match is grounds for cautious optimism but not all out celebration…yet.

    Well, if Team Vinay is happy, I am happy. Something is far better than nothing. Maintain the positivity, everyone! He needs the love now more than ever. 🙂

  11. This is really heartening, and while the future is still a bit uncertain, the sheer volume of people who turned out and registered is a tremendous accomplishment in and of itself. Maybe I’m being a little over-optimistic, but not only did Vinay, Rashmi, their families, friends, and everyone who’ve supported them outreach in an unprecedented way, but they’ve left a continuing legacy and service for the South Asian community at large. This is great 🙂

  13. This is really heartening, and while the future is still a bit uncertain, the sheer volume of people who turned out and registered is a tremendous accomplishment in and of itself. Maybe I’m being a little over-optimistic, but not only did Vinay, Rashmi, their families, friends, and everyone who’ve supported them outreach in an unprecedented way, but they’ve left a continuing legacy and service for the South Asian community at large. This is great 🙂

    I agree Camille and while I empathize with the proclivity to be conservative, cynical or timid, I sincerely hope people aren’t disappointed by the fact that this is “only” a 9/10 match. If Vinay is happy, I am happy, period. 🙂

    At this stage, I am grateful that Vinay even has this option but more than that, I hope people continue to add themselves to the database. The need for South Asian marrow donors is still great and while Team Vinay has done an outstanding job of addressing that, we can still help them do more.

    If you have not yet registered, and you were considering doing so at one of the MANY Independence day events happening all over the country this weekend, PLEASE FOLLOW THROUGH– you are still needed. Team Vinay is right; this is not about one person– this is about all of us. I have lost two relatives in three years…if it were happening to someone in your family, you’d want there to be more desis in the database, too.

    If Vinay has taught me anything with his courage and strength, it’s to be more positive than I thought I was capable of being; I encourage all of you to join this grassroots movement. Getting involved is still welcome and much appreciated. Become a committed donor, so we can post about more good news– and send happy thoughts Vinay’s way! 🙂

  14. I’m happy for Vinay 🙂

    I have been registered since 1999. Do I need to renew the registration in anyway? Also is there a drive happening in Chicago?

  16. Such good news! Best of luck to Vinay, and let this be motivation that efforts can lead to help for Sameer too.

  17. As someone who registered a few years ago, I would encourage those south-asians who haven’t registered to at least think about doing so and check out the website. It’s not just bone-marrow (for which there aren’t enough matching south-asians) – you can also donate platelets on a regular basis and that is also a great help to many cancer and marrow transplant patients. It’s pretty painless procedure, takes a couple of hours and you get to watch a movie while you donate the platelets. More.

  21. “while I empathize with the proclivity to be conservative, cynical or timid”

    Goodbye SM. While I sympathize with Abhi’s “9/10” statement, I would have used it to encourage mutineers to still continue registrations, as yes, he may need that 1 out of 10. And, while Anna, and her Anna-nistas jump to her defence when criticized, she is quick to point out Abhi’s cynicism or timid response. Rather than point out the “negative” with the statement, we should all know Vinay still MAY need our help and for good reason. Had he not mentioned this stat, we were sure to assume he was in the clear. And, he most likely is. But, he’s also, least likely not. And, that was reason enough for me to email out his good news, but reminder to register in case of any mismatch. A “happy” person does NOT point out the reality, but emphasizes how to cultivate it.

    Abhi, your posts are endeared regardless.

    Vinay, we all registered, and still hope & pray for a recovery.

    To the rest, I blog you adieu, for such hypocricy invites biased mediocrity. You’ve been awesome!

  22. I wish Vinay the best of luck. This is the first step down a very long road, but it’s a road that exists only because of the power of the internet and what his loved ones have been able to create by calling out to the intrinsic sense of community among South Asians. Good luck Vinay–keep us posted.

  23. Its amazing, its the news that you await for day after day. I volunteered at the Drive held at the Santa Clara Convention Centre during the PANIIT Conference, I remember the point where we were so overwhelmed with people that we ran out of kits.

    Here is to SM, this has been definetely one if not the best story coverage! This is what I believe you are truly about. Thanks guys.

  24. This makes me so happy. I have been following Vinay’s journey this year, and wish only the best for him and his loved ones in the quest to recovery.

    Saira, I find your attitude to be demoralizing. My sister was sick. People facing these sorts of illnesses vary in their responses to the outside world. Sometimes they don’t want too much outside support, sometimes it’s what motivates them. Vinay and his awesome team seem to encourage the kind of positivity and support evidenced in Anna’s post from the public, as it seems to create a sort of “fighting spirit” energy. My sis was like that too. Some patients want to keep things on the DL. No one is trying to disrespect the patient’s wishes. If this kind of support emboldens him, please don’t rain on his parade.

    One can be both celebratory and cautious; we can acknowledge this step forward, while also remembering the similar struggle faced by Sameer Bhatia in California. Let’s keep the focus on them.

  25. Goodbye SM. While I sympathize with Abhi’s “9/10” statement, I would have used it to encourage mutineers to still continue registrations, as yes, he may need that 1 out of 10. And, while Anna, and her Anna-nistas jump to her defence when criticized, she is quick to point out Abhi’s cynicism or timid response. Rather than point out the “negative” with the statement, we should all know Vinay still MAY need our help and for good reason. Had he not mentioned this stat, we were sure to assume he was in the clear. And, he most likely is. But, he’s also, least likely not. And, that was reason enough for me to email out his good news, but reminder to register in case of any mismatch. A “happy” person does NOT point out the reality, but emphasizes how to cultivate it.

    I don’t even know what half of that means.

    Look. I AM trying to encourage people to still register and I didn’t want people to either

    a) think, “Oh, we’re done now, yay.”

    b) think, “Oh, even with all this hard work, it’s not even a real match”.

    There are so many drives around the country this weekend at what are arguably some of the largest gatherings of South Asians which will occur all year. That’s why I was trying to remind people that they can still be of great help, to people like Sameer, to people like the cousin you haven’t seen in years, who might be the next one to get diagnosed. I want people to be inspired, that’s why I posted– look what happens when we try.

  28. I’m confused.

    Congrats on finding a match, but is showing up to get swabbed really a crowning accomplishment for South Asians in the US? I really hope not. Because we as a community have much bigger problems to tackle — particularly on the subcontinent itself (do I need to elaborate?) — and I think overhyping this one just further breeds the apathy and misguided potential that characterizes our community.

    Anna, I respect much of your material, but I think you really got carried away on this one. Sorry for my cynicism… though I’m surprised I’m the only one.

  29. First of all this is good news – congratulations to Vinay. As importantly, I am highly impressed by his campaign – the amount of people he has been able to galvanize, either directly or due to well wishers like Sepia is incredible. Every event I went to last few weeks, or read about in different cities, he had a support group working for him at each one of those. This was a great volunteer effort, Anna and Vinod did a good bit too. I feel there is a lot to be learnt from his campaign – sure there was a sympathy aspect to it, but that only goes so far. Also, I wonder how much of his campaign could be transplanted to India specific issues such as this. or this.

  30. Because we as a community have much bigger problems to tackle — particularly on the subcontinent itself

    And while I don’t say that this was over hyped – every such action is important and if it saves even one life, it’s worth it. However, Dave has hit upon a valid point. I personally have found it very very difficult to find people to get involved or donate to causes in the subcontinent. And these are not ABDs but a lot of DBDs who just don’t care. In fact many times I have found mainstream WASPs more generous and willing to listen than your average DBD or ABD.

  31. Can we not minimize how significant this is, to those of us who tried so very hard to counter the very apathy you are decrying?

    This is a post about some good news, which I felt I owed you guys, because once, when I wrote about a similar patient, a baby, I didn’t get a chance to write a follow-up about what happened to them (they passed away) and one of you who went out of your way to help was hurt by that. In those days, it WAS out of one’s way, because that victim didn’t have Vinay’s support system/momentum, so there weren’t drives in every area with a minyan of desis.

    You don’t have to respect all my material, but at least don’t disrespect those who tried to help with this, because more than just the commenters who have expressed their joy here, I met lurker after lurker who showed up and tried to help. If you’d like, I can put up a “we have bigger problems to worry about” post later today, and you can vent your spleen a plenty.

    Vinay reads this blog. So do his family, his friends. No, he didn’t get a perfect match. But he got something. And I want to send as much positivity his way, as is mutinously possible. Can we use this specific space for that, or is that too much to ask?

  32. Congrats on finding a match, but is showing up to get swabbed really a crowning accomplishment for South Asians in the US?

    no, and nobody actually thinks that – that’s why the comments on SM have repeatedly mentioned that anybody who swabs should be willing to go all the way through with the marrow transplant. this was highlighted esp. after ANNA posted about one of vinay’s earlier (perfect) matches backing out.

    Because we as a community have much bigger problems to tackle — particularly on the subcontinent itself

    it’s not a zero-sum game – people are perfectly capable of focusing on several issues at once, and i’m pretty sure most SMers would not think that a simple cheek swab has substituted for any other good work they were thinking of doing or have been doing.

    i think your statement has far too many assumptions and judgments about individuals you don’t know, or to whose comments you clearly have not been paying attention.

    and i have to say, the emphasis on this issue is needed, if only because of the statistics involved.

  33. Yay for Vinay and Rashmi!! This should encourage more of those who are not registered as yet to come forward!!

  34. OMG I think I’m going to cry. I’m so excited and happy he found a match. Wish Vinay well and really hope it works out. But remember there is still Sameer and I’m praying for him to find a match as well.

  36. but is showing up to get swabbed really a crowning accomplishment for South Asians in the US?

    Yes sir, it is! Not the showing up part, but the Vinay getting a willing match part. There is plenty of misery in the world, but for today, there is enough cause to take a break and congratulate ourselves. It shows that our community is not apathetic and capable of rallying behind one or our own.

    Vinay is not in the clear yet, and wish him the best. He put a face on a hugely important, but somewhat removed problem for our community. I hope he heals quickly, and I hope that afterwards, we continue the momentum of the past few months.

  37. Wonderful news! Good luck to Vinay, and thanks to Sepia Mutiny for not only encouraging discussion on the greater issues involved with bone marrow donation within the South Asian community, but making the effort to keep us updated on this particular story. It’s definitely appreciated.

  39. 14 · moreMirchi on August 16, 2007 08:14 PM · Direct link I’m happy for Vinay 🙂

    I have been registered since 1999. Do I need to renew the registration in anyway? Also is there a drive happening in Chicago?

    I registered a few years ago too…it looks like you’re on until your 61st birthday, but you should update your contact info. You can call 1 (800) MARROW-2 or fill out a form online:https://www.marrow-donor.org/CONTACT/Confirm_Registry_Status/index.html to confirm you are on the registry.

    Congratulations to Vinay, his family and everyone who pulled together for him and others. A 20% increase to the number of South Asians in the directory is a HUGE deal for the community and an even bigger one for anybody who finds a match.

  41. I am very happy for Vinay and Rashmi that they found this ray of hope. I also applaud the mutineers (and many others) for publicizing this cause and pushing many of the readers to register. I mention this because I wouldn’t have known about this issue if I had not come through sepiamutiny, and this cause was kept alive by repeated posts. It compelled me to get my cheek swabbed and tell others about this. I hope the drives will continue and it will bring hope and life to Sameer and others.

  42. Best of luck to Vinay, and I think it’s amazing that he’s used this crisis in his life to help lay the groundwork for others to receive the help they need.

  43. Great news about Vinay and praying for his complete recovery. Wanted to also post information regarding this upcoming bone marrow registration drive in Queens, New York. Spread the word, all are welcome! If anyone would like a flyer to email/post regarding this event please contact me, and I’ll forward. Thanks!

    BONE MARROW REGISTRATION DRIVE “SAVE VINAY, SAMEER & UTKERSH”

    Featuring: FREE Luncheon Sponsored by Akbar and Santoor restaurants & 28 Card Playing Tournament 1ST PRIZE WINS $300.00 2ND PRIZE WINS $100.00 Other Prizes Include: Johnnie Walker BLACK LABEL (1.75 L.)

    *Novice Players Welcome Game Instruction Will be Provided At Event

    KCANA & SAMAR HOSTING AT KCANA INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER Saturday, August 25, 2007 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM 222-66 Braddock Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428

    For more Info please contact: RMV200@YAHOO.COM VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!

  44. Dave M, you have completed missed the point. I can think of no bigger goal than saving a life. Yes, the action may have just required the swab of a cheek, but the symbolism of this action is profound. I am sorry that you missed the boat on that one. I think that we sometimes forget that helping people does not have to be through grand gestures, but really just reaching out to one person at a time. So, please excuse me while I “over-hype” this victory (which it is) and offer my humble gratitude to my fellow South Asians for stepping up and reaching out.

  46. Bone marrow transplantation is a very difficult road to travel; and finding a match ,the essential step for sure, is but the first step on that road. Continued support and education is necessary, continued involvement of the south asian community is essential. it is a fact that Caucasians faced with these life threatening hematologic malignancies stand a much better chance of cure than Hispanics, asians, african americans —for there all all too few minorities who sign up to be donors. so yes, lets continue the education and the drives. Putting a human face on these situations spurs people on to try to help do good — so, as you coninue to support vinay and sameer , think of these other faces too —-

    http://www.asianmarrow.org/facesofhope

  47. I suck.

    Why?

    I kept saying I would get myself tested, and kept putting it off, even though my father’s younger brother died of leukemia in 1990 and left behind 2 very young children. Papa would be so upset if he knew I never went and had the test.

    Onkar Uncle didn’t get a match, but Vinay might. I pray to Waheguru he does. And if I truly lived out the meaning of seva, I would already have my marrow type registered.

    I am in Boston visiting my (gora) boyfriend’s parents, but when I get home – for real – I will get myself registered at LifeSource in Skokie.

    I hope the rest of you who (possibly) sat on your asses do the same in your local area.

    Much love.

  48. My gora BF just talked it over – he’ll get himself tested and ALSO we’re both giving blood – come on y’all who dragged your heels – let’s make it less difficult for our brothers and sisters – http://www.marrow.org

  50. I just got my cheek swabbed again, but I asked that if I not be a match for Saira, because she left SM and will not comment here anymore, and that made me so angry I decided to hoard my marrow cells for my own self and people I consider deserving.

    So if you criticize me, and you need my marrow, well, it’s your own goddamn fault.

    On a totally unrelated note, do Anna-nistas get to wear cool uniforms and berets and carry guns? And if so, can you register for both marrow-typing and Anna’s rebellion at the same time?