Smile Train Plan Part 1

The master plan is finally revealed. After months of incubation period.

When I read about Dr Hirji Adenwalla's article back in October, I was already hyped up about it. I was even MORE hyped up when I told my dad and ahmad about it. Because we started brainstorming about some really crazy ideas.

When my dad went so far as to suggest that I MEET Dr Hirji, I was practically hyperventilating. Dr Hirji would be in India. And ayah says: So what's the problem? We'll fly to Kerala.

I couldn't breathe.

I admit I procrastinated in writing to the Smile Train Partnership in Kerala (the Charles Pinto Centre) because I was really scared of rejection. Besides, what could I do there? Just probably be a hindrance having to be shown around, lingering in the hospital where there would be doctors on the go saving people's lives.

Because of that procrastination of mine, my dad couldn't wait anymore and just had to book flights to Kerala (mostly to push me to doing something) mid next year. Even though we didn't even have the permission yet if we can visit the hospital, my dad still went on with booking the flights.

This was actually becoming a reality.

During my procrastination though, we were still brainstorming. The objectives and all that. Things like:

1. Raise money through donations with talks/support- by giving talks here and there. Money for at least one cleft lip palate surgery ($250 or RM 843.47) and bring it as Malaysia's Donation- also making a huge banner and adding each and everyone's names there and bring it to Kerala.
2. Write up a report on procedure of the cleft lip surgery when I'm there etc.
3. Get support from my college- I really am not sure how the college supports but my dad says to get support. Just so that they are aware and supporting my cause.
4. Consider the media. If I'm serious enough, make it really huge and get OTHERS to know about the cause. At this part, I was afraid things might get too big... at the same time, this is a rare opportunity. Should I go for it?

When I finally wrote an email to them two weeks ago, I finally got the courage to explain who I am, that I wanted to visit but didn't know what I could do, and that I was deeply inspired by Dr Hirji's amazing character.

Days later, after I came back from my LTDJ trip, I got the biggest shock of my life!

From: charlespinto@sify.com

To: anbaf2002@hotmail.com
Subject: Cleft lip Department visit.
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:43:41 +0530

Dear Nadhirah,

The Charles Pinto Center For Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial anomalies is part of the Plastic Surgical department at the Jubilee Mission Medical College in Trichur. South India. The Charles Pinto Center was one of the first centers in India recoganised as a center of excellence and was accepted as a Smile Train Partner in 2001. All the work done at this center is free of charge under Smile Train patronage. Attached to this department is a maxilla- facial surgeon who does all the boney work on the face after the soft tissue repair is over.

The department is headed by Dr. Hirji.S. Adenwalla . About 60-70 clefts are repaired every month. This gives you a rough idea of the basic structure of this department.

I presume that you are a medical student and that you would like to visit as a observer during which you will attend out patients, ward rounds and theater sessions and assist operations.

I need to know

1) When do you intend to come?

2) How much time can you spare?

3) What sort of accommodation will you need?

Kindly let me know so that we can arrange your visit to our mutual convenience.

Regards and Best wishes for the season and happy New Year to you

Dr. H.S. Adenwalla

Emeratus Prof of Surgery
Head of the Plastic Surgery, Burns and The Charles Pinto Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate
Member Advisory Board Smile Train South Asia

P.S ; Give some alternative dates convenient to you as the department has trainee visitors and one does not like to over crowed the department at any one given time

I screamed.

So ever since then, my mind has been in a whirl. Dr Hirji wrote to ME. I've only got 5 months til my flight to do as much as I can. I replied his email explaining the date I'd be arriving and he wrote back that that date would be fine.

I felt light headed.

After I revealed to my housemates, they all started getting to energetic over it and whooping: "Let's all go!" Oh you people are truly amazing:) Darlings, I WOULD love to bring you all along. But this is a project with too many unchartered territories. I don't know what's going to happen next, some things are unsettled. I'm afraid things might go awry; besides, there's a lot of unconfirmed issues. For now, let this be my personal project and once I gain experience, we'll make a bigger project yeah?

What I DO need help in is to think of:

1. How to raise money.
2. How people can support this cause.

Ideas are still mulling over in my head. Still in this incubation period. Too bad I've been in this period for too long. Verification will come around sooner or later. I've got to act quicker and faster.

Other suggestions have been to actually call Dr Hirji here to give a talk. But I'm thinking; wouldn't he have to go save people's lives? And at the same time, I'd have to think of organizing a talk, writing up a proposal etc...

Opinions on everything would be truly appreciated:)

This is not a success-guaranteed project. I don't know if things will work out. There are going to be failures and frustrations. Heartbreaks and hurdles. But I'm sure there are going to be rewarding and pleasurable moments as well. No matter what happens, it'll build character. And at the end of the day, I would be proud to say: I did something.

Most important message my dad reminded me: If you want to do something, do it well.

I am absolutely beside myself with ebullience. Til the next updates.

-Smile Train Plan still in progress-