A Special Note to Vinny and Sameer

I wanted to take moment to post a note to Vinay and Sameer. As most of you know I was involved this October in a campaign to increase the amount of South Asians in the bone marrow registry, most notably to find Vinay and Sameer a match within a one month time frame. It was absolutely amazing how the community came together in all the different parts of the country to have thousands of people sign up and successfully find matches for both Vinay and Sameer. I try to send updates as much as I can but unfortunately Vinny left us for a better place last week and Sameer a few months back. I’m not sure if everyone knows their full story so if you don’t please visit www.helpsameer.org and www.helpvinay.org. These two individuals are stellar individuals and have become my new mentors in life. We all get inspiration from different people in the world if we know them personally or not and for me it was these two individuals. From stories I heard about them and their blog entries I always found the sense that they were here to make a difference in the world and no matter what were always concerned about the well being of others, even through their struggle with cancer. I never once got the sense that they were complaining about cancer or any pain they were going through and were strong for their wives and their families. I can only hope that I find at least half the amount of love and strength as they have in their lives.
Why I write about this in my blog as I’m in India… well they kind of are my inspiration. I have always had some desire to give back to the community in a bigger way then just a monetary donation but I quite figure it out. When I ran across Vinny and Sameer’s story I couldn’t help but be more than inspired. Reena and Sameer have given back to the community in so many ways- like instead of registering for a gift they donated everything they received from their wedding to Sameer’s favorite charity- its definitely a great act. Vinny even while battling cancer was always concerned with others and encouraged people to sign up, even when he wasn’t quite sure if he’d get a match, with all his heart. I digress but things just kind of fell into place for me as I was accepted to do this project within a week. Within two weeks I was able to get approval, obtain a visa, rent out my apartment for the summer, and book a ticket- now if that’s not fate I have no idea what is!
Anyhow I’m sure everyone’s tired of the mushy talk but I did want to thank Sameer and Vinny for being such a inspiration. I will always see you guys as my mentors no matter where you are. Reena and Rashmi I think you guys are absolutely wonderful people and couldn’t ask for anything more than what you’ve done for your husbands- I know they’re both keeping a close eye on you two . Anyhow I wanted to ask that everyone put in a special prayer for a Sameer and Vinay’s families. Although I may not have spoken to many of you guys reading this blog in days, weeks, months, or years know that you’re always in my thoughts and prayers and you’ve definitely helped me find my way in some way or another.
JSK