The power of the Stanislite Network

This morning I experienced the power of the Stanislite network as well as the Jesuit Network first hand.

I got a call from Teacher Anna Coreea of St. Stanislaus High School. A Stanislite Duston D'souza studying in Std. IX had undergone his second sitting of chemo-therapy at Raheja Hospital Mahim. He is being treated for leukemia at the hospital. His platelet count had dropped and he urgently need blood transfusion before 3.30pm.

After making a couple of unsuccessful calls I decided to SMS all Stanislites on my phone. Within 30 minutes I got a call from my classmate Denver D'souza who had passed on my message to the Jesuit network. John Nilankil of Holy Family School, Andheri had already made an announcement at (I think) Xavier tech next door and four students immediately volunteered to go to Raheja Hospital after their class at 1pm and donate blood for Duston.

I said to myself  WOW!

It dawned what a powerful network we have, how things seem impossible when we work alone BUT NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE IF WE WORK TOGETHER.

Gerry Mascarenhas's picture

Dustan D'souza

Submitted by Gerry Mascarenhas on July 22, 2007 - 9:51pm.

Dustan is now at home in Bandra. He is cheerful but visitors are not allowed to visit for fear of infection. While he his very eager to go to school and see his calender that will have to wait for some time.

Dustan has started radiation from last Monday. His life is still one day at a time and on some days it can be a winding road.

Why this kid has to go through so much so young we will never know but we thank God for Dustan.

Gerry Mascarenhas's picture

Thanks for the instant response

Submitted by Gerry Mascarenhas on June 10, 2007 - 9:02pm.

Actually Teacher Anna, I just called upon the Stanislite network in Mumbai.

I spoke to Mel Rodricks who spoke to a student/ex-student of Stanislaus who went with three of his friends to Rahejas. He happened to be the son of Teacher Freda of the computer lab. I SMS'ed many of whom Denver acted immediately and four boys from St. Xaviers Institute of Engineering, Mahim went to Rahejas to donate blood. I hope this network can work together always.

Yes the parents need our support in whatever way we can. Since chemo therepy is an ongoing process I was advised by Dass Joseph (who tragically lost his daughter last year) to maintain a list of at least 25 potential donors.

Since the blood is being replaced, any blood group will do.

vikram_moorjani's picture

A few potential steps....

Submitted by vikram_moorjani on June 10, 2007 - 9:34pm.

A few potential steps we may want to take

  • Send an announcement seeking potential donors
  • Check with the hospital if they can stock donor blood for the patient
  • Create a registry that we can maintain on the website to tackle future emergencies
  • Change the Personal Profile to ask blood group option/alternatively a drop down list
  • Publish hospital and patient details (if you a picture that would be great)

Thanks for highlighting the issue.

Regards.

Terence de Sousa's picture

Donors list

Submitted by Terence de Sousa on June 10, 2007 - 5:37pm.

In all probablity, we could be faced with similar incidents in the future. I suggest we maintain a list of available donors within our network who would be available in the hour of need and have this information accessible on the site.

For starters, I am B+ and am available in Mumbai.

Thanks for the instant response

Submitted by science.stan on June 9, 2007 - 8:57am.

I was both gratified and amazed at the speed at which my request for blood donors for our student, Duston D'Souza was answered.  Just a call to Gerry and several donors reached Raheja in the afternoon.  Duston is suffering from ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia).  He is now in Std X a crucial academic year for him.  He is the only child of his parents John and Nilfa D'Souza, residing on Bazaar Road.  He plays onthe school team and before this illness was a bright and mischievous boy.  His parents are under severe financial constraints to ensure his treatment.  If any of you can help or have any suggestions in this regard you may contact me or Tr. Liz Fernandes.  Thanks once again!

Terence de Sousa's picture

How is Duston?

Submitted by Terence de Sousa on July 22, 2007 - 2:25am.

Dear Tr. Anna & Gerry,

Its been a little over a month since Duston D'Souza was hospitalized and needed assistance however we haven't heard anything since. I have my fingers crossed and hoping that no news ... is good news!

Regards

Duston D'Souza

Submitted by science.stan on July 22, 2007 - 9:49pm.

Duston is currently at home but has to go every week for radiation and chemo which is very taxing both on him and his parents.  However his father, John informs me that Duston is very positive and in the hope of returning to school is even reading his text books!  Please keep him in your prayers.

Terence de Sousa's picture

Duston D'Souza

Submitted by Terence de Sousa on August 2, 2007 - 7:35pm.

Dear Tr. Anna,

Thanks for the update and am glad to hear that Duston continues to maintain a positive outlook.

Am sure the Stanislite network has him in their prayers ... mine for certain!

Regards