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.
Many of you stay connected to me through this wonderful website. Many of you I know and many of you I have heard of through my family and friends. I will do my very best to keep you up to date on my progress. And even if I am unable to write, I will have Rashmi relay my sentiments. I hope to have new updates at least a few times a week.
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.
Great news and praying for you.
Hi Vinay,
I am muslim so I can only pray to Allah SWT (which is good because others are praying to their own Gods and as they say more Gods the merrier!). I am ecstatic to hear about your new development. It is indeed a tough journey but your courage is a motivation to us all. And this drive is going to benefit tons of people for generations to come, so all kudos to you, your family and friends.
God bless you and I wish you a speedy recovery.
goodluck
I wish you the best, I hope the procedure goes well and that you can go home VERY SOON! It makes me so happy to hear that you were finally able to go home for a week and do some "normal" things you used to do. I pray that soon you will be able to go home and be able to do those "normal" things FOREVER :) May God bless you and your family.
Congratulations
Vinay,
I can't tell you the emotion that was running through my body when I signed on this morning to get an update. Thanks be to God. I am so happy for you and your family. I know you still have a tough road ahead, but with your positive attitude and the help of Jesus, I know this will be a success. I continue to pray for you and your family everyday. Keep praying and looking to Jesus for strength, buddy. Talk to you soon.
knock it outta the water, vinay
I can't say it enough, Vinay: you, Rashmi, Bharath, your family--you are inspirations for me, my family, my friends, for strangers and for our community. I can't fathom how difficult it is to reach down so deeply to find the strength that you constantly seem to find. Know that we--your tremendous, unabashed community--are fighting with you every second of every day. Through prayer & hope & mad sending-of-vibes [not to mention more drives drives drives], we're doing our part because we're fueled by you & your home crew. Keep it rockin' man . . . we'll keep working to replenish that bottomless reserve of fortitude inside of you. See you again in Beantown in October - can't wait!
Dear Vinay/Rashmi, There's
Dear Vinay/Rashmi,
There's an emotional weight that has been lifted off my shoulders as I read this last posting. As a current medical student, I have learned from your experience how precious life can truly be. And as a patient, you have shown the power that one person has in improving our world. Thank you for being so strong, for rallying the Indian American community together behind you, and may your life here on out be focused on being as amazing a physician as you have been as a patient.
Congrats!
Vinay,
I don't know you...but I know of your friend Kavita whom I contacted from here in Michigan about your drives!
It is so nice to hear that you have found a match and I know how much you're probably anticipating your transplant surgery. Good luck on it - you're in my prayers.
Congrats again. Amazing news.
God Bless You Vinay
Dear Vinay
I’ll offer my prayers to the Lord to bless you with good health……. soon……………
Regards
Yogeendra Bhat
Shri Krishna Vrundavana, NJ
Rashmi and Vinay.. I'm so
Rashmi and Vinay..
I'm so glad that you found a match..its funny how we've never met...how we didnt even know of each others exsistance until recently..but hearing that you found a close match has truly made me as happy as if you were pure family :-) Congrats! and keep smiling and keeping that head up! Both of you are such an amazing inspiration to the south asian community..and I thank you for that!
Best wishes always
Nikita
Dear Vinay/Rashmi, I am
Dear Vinay/Rashmi,
I am extremely happy that you finally found a match. I happended to know about you from revathy's (film actress) mail. When I saw video clips in YouTube where revathy mentioned that 1/20,000 have a possibility of a match, it was so discouraging. I used to visit your site every monday to check the status.
I appreciate the efforts that you have taken and each and everyone who made it happen.
It makes me realise that nothing is impossible. God bless all of you:).
All the best
Priya
Glad and good luck Mate
Hi Vinay and Reshma,
Pretty Glad to read the good news on a close match. Hope all goes well and you are back in action. Miracles happen.
praise the Guardian Angel Donor. please can some one update the latest status as it is a few days from the time you wrote last.
good luck, happy transplant.
Hi vinay, Very good news
Hi vinay,
Very good news after a long wait.Get well soon.Will keep you in my prayers.
congrats!!
Hi guys,
I have had you in my thougths and prayers and efforts for a while now. Great news. Brought tears to my eyes. AI am happy for you and I think you will will sail through this procedure with your positive attitude and the positive energy you have from loved ones around you.
Best of Luck.
Pinki
Hello Vinny and Rashmi
just wanted to wish you the best with your transplant. I really wanted to come by with bickart last week when you were at home but I got sick. I am really happy you found your tranplant. Congratulations!. You are in our thoughts and in all of our prayers. Take care. keep us updated if you can.
Thank God ,God bless you .I
Thank God ,God bless you .I am so happy,bought tears to my eyes
awesome
Congrats vinay. I'm so happy for you. Words can't even describe it.
Hello Everyone, I am sure
Hello Everyone,
I am sure that we are glad that we saw our participation has some success. As a
volunteer during these pas t months, I met an inspiring Uncle who taught me how
to approach people to get them listen and eventually sign up. He was suggesting
that we do not stop this donor program drive once we find a match for Sameer
and Vinay. I am for it. That is looking at a larger picture. I do not know how to go
about continuing this drive. Is ICC a good forum? Is www.marrow.org a good place
to start? Someone guide me. I want to help.
Arbee
Congrats!!!!!!!!
I'm sooooo excited for you.... i read this news monday after my trip back home to california and I was sooooo happy!!!! i thought about the different ways to help and this gives me even more hope then ever that we'll find Sameer a match too!!!... you guys both have worked so hard and luckily you guys found your cancer early on to be able to accept bone marrow to live so now I feel like its my job to now help Sameer and the rest of the individuals out there. I definately have learned to take ona new perspective in life and try to complain a little less and of course help others a lot more. I always wanted to find something to be passionate about and I think i've found it. I went to a temple to help out in chicago and I've always been a pretty shy person and they tasked me with the job of going to talk to people and tell them all about you and sameer and the others and get them to register!!!! well when it came to helping out for this cause it was likea different person came out in me and I thank you for that... while i may not have cancer and I may not be the one that needs bone marrow you and sameer have definately brought out something in me that I didn't think I had. So thank you. And soon you will come out a new person as well... a CANCER SURVIVOR!!!! and so will sameer!!! so keep on goin and I look forward to reading all your post. Oh and I'd like to say a major shout out to Rashmi... i hope that I'm only half as great of a wife as you have been to Vinay... (not anytime soon but eventually :) hehe).... congrats again and one day maybe i'll get to meet my two inspirations!!!
Today is the 6th year death
Today is the 6th year death anniversary of my little brother who passed away from Leukaemia. Nothing has been able to alleviate the pain until I stumbled on your amazing story Vinay. Thank you for consoling not just those of us who are suffering from a disease but also those of us nursing broken hearts. You give me hope that no family has to go through what we went through.
You guys have inspired me to stay strong. Godbless you and best of luck!
DR
Vinay and Rashmi, Ever since
Vinay and Rashmi,
Ever since I heard about your story, I've been addicted to your blog and hoping and praying for you guys... so much so that I'd get anxious if I didn't see a Monday update! I admire you both so much for your courage and positive energy in tough times... it's truly a lesson for all. And I'm so happy that you found your shining ray of hope!!! I wish you all the best for the transplant and I'll continue reading this blog to keep up to date on your progress!!
With love and best wishes,
NJ
God Bless
Hii Vinay.
Good to hear that you have found a match.
Wish u all the success in your transplant.
Get well soon.
Bindu
Amen!
Vinay and Rashmi,
Know that we are praying for you everyday. Vinay, Jaire wanted me to tell you that you can borrow her "baby" (that's her soft, cuddly comfort doll) when you get home.
God Bless You - Georgia, Rob and Jaire
Congrts....
Hi Vinay
good to hear that u found a match.... get well soon.....
GREAT
Vinay
That is a really great news. We are praying and hoping for the transplant to go smooth. You will be fine in no time.
Keep smiling and get well soon.
All our wishes are with you.
Soma
Such wonderful news--- I
Such wonderful news--- I have truly never been happier than I was at the moment I received the email from Roopa. I am just so relieved and so thankful that this is working out-- and I look forward to seeing you both and celebrating once it's all over for good. Love you guys!-- Melissa
Greetings
Dear Vinay, Rashmi and family,
It's really a good news for all of us. You will be all right. Every one's blessing is with you. You are a wonderful person, may GOD bless you and your family.
With best wishes,
Kumar
Great news!! We pray that
Great news!! We pray that the transplant goes smoothly.
Many thanks to the donor.
We are sooooooo happy for you
Dear Vinay and Rashmi
We are sooooo happy to hear about this. For the past few weeks, my friend Umashree and I and few other friends have been conducting drives around the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex. We believed strongly in our hearts judging by the response of the people that Vinay would find a match from one of the drives that was being conducted all over the United States.
I can't tell you how happy we are that you found a match. It's the best news that I have got in the last few days. We are praying for your speedy recovery and sending you strong positive vibes to get well soon and be healthy and happy and pain free again.
With lots of love ..good wishes.. blessings and prayers
Vandana
Blessings
Vinay,
I am Uma Madhavan's cousin. Uma sent me an e-mail advising me the good nes. We are very happy for you. I am sure that it will work out.
I spent a lot of time with "The Team" volunterring for donar registration. I am glad that we
are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Great. Hang in there. Shylaja & I send you our blessings.
Ramesh Shamarao
excellent news
vinay & rashmi,
been following your story for months now, checking in every week or so. this is really excellent news and it truly made my day. i wish you all of the best and as i've posted before - there are many, many people from all sorts of corners in this world who are thinking of you and praying for your health and success.
peace and regards!
rupali
Be cheerful
Hats off to you.
Don't worry, Your positive attitude will get you through. We all pray for you guys.
God heard it.....
God has heard prayer of thousands of us. Not only you but everyone registered prayed for it. I am not luck enough to be a match. I prayed god to make me a match and provide me once in a lifetime oppurnity to save a life (because I am not a doctor like you). Everything will go well.
God was testing that are his children willing to save a life and yes his children are willing to save a life.
Go Get 'Em
Vinay, All the best to you. We will keep you in our thoughts. I don't even know you, but was so touched by your story and was overjoyed to hear about you finding a match. If I'm feeling this way, I can't begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. I applaud you for being so strong and in good spirits.
All the best to you. Can't wait to hear another update with some good news to follow.
Be Good!!!
Your Michigan fans are with you all the way
good luck
dear vinay and rashmi,
our prayers are with u guys, goodluck,
iam sure you will overcome it
you both are very brave......................
all the very best,
we will be praying for u guys
Great News!
Hey Vinay and Rashmi,
This is such great news! I am so happy for the both of you =) Good Luck with your transplant, Vinay and Keep Smiling!
I look forward to the updates on the site, Thank you for keeping us all intuned of the recent events!
Take Care,
Anju
All the Best !!
Vinay and Rashmi,
My sincerest prayers and best wishes as you go on this transplant journey. MAy God be with you at every step. May all our prayers and positive energy help you overcome this invasive treatment. We want to hee you happy, healthy and on the other side of the doctor's table soon !!
As I had written earlier, please keep us with you in this journey. It is indeed difficult to write regualr updates with so much going on, but do remember we will come to this website several times a day to read about your wellbeing and progress.
A BIG GOD BLESS.
Match = Awesome.
Community Organization proved to be amazing. You started a movement with such momentum in this community. You rock, Diseal.
Prayers
Hi Vinay,
It is wonderful news indeed. May God be with you through this whole process and give you strength and comfort. You are such
a brave and strong person and we pray for your continued strength. May all the procedures go forward smoothly, and may
all the doctors treating you be blessed with the best wisdom and healing powers. Love to you and Rashmi.
Uma, Chalat & Amit Rajaram ( Tustin, CA )
I am so happy for you!
Vinay & Rashmi,
I am so happy to hear of this transplant! I have watched from afar here in Phoenix for the last several weeks as you have searched. My friend Sangeetha told me about you and I passed on your website to everyone I know. I found out today my best friend April, who also grew up in Fremont, has to go back on atra for her AML. I can't believe she has to go through this again and I'm so mad. It's so heartwarming to see how many people you have signed up to be donors. You have done amazing work!
Heather
Dearest Vinay, You are in
Dearest Vinay,
You are in our hearts every minute of the day. May Lord Almighty bless you with strength and courage to fight the battle all-through to come out with flying colors, be with you every single second, to guide you to help you emerge a great hero, who could win any battle when The Lord kindly smiles at you to have perfect health, happiness and a life filled with sheer joy. You and Rashmi deserve the best!
Lots of love and best of luck,
Lakshmi achar
I will continue to Pray for You Vinay :)
Hey Vinay,
WOOOO00000000WWWW !!! This is one of the best news I heard this week. I am so happy. There's a Big Smile on my Face :) I know that the transplant process will go good and you'll recover soon. God does answers prayers. This is most definitely a "Miracle" Story. You should share your miracle story to everyone. I know it will inspire kids-adults who have diseases to continue fightin' hard. God does perform miracles. Well my friend, I pray for you and I hope it goes successful. Jai Om Ganesh!!!
Love your friend,
Alpa :)
All the best
all the best Vinay ! you'll be fine. our prayers and support are with you.
hey vinay, i love you, am
hey vinay,
i love you, am thinking of you out in peru... will send you pictures once i get back, bet you´ll kick ass out on these trails once your transplant goes successfully. much love to you and rashmi...
roopa
Congratulations
Me and all of my friends had registered at one of your drives and we've been praying everyday that you find a match soon!! I am very happy for you and your family...
All the BEST
vinay
Wish you all the best with the transplant. My prayers are with you.
My hatsoff to the fighter in you. Please continue with the updates regularly.
Great news !
all the best Vinay ! you'll be fine. our prayers and support are with you.
Congratulations!
This is the best news we could all have hoped for! Best of luck during the transplant process..I'll be keeping you in my prayers for a safe and rewarding journey!
Vinay and
Vinay and Rashmi,
Congratulations on this miraculous and amazing news! I am happy to see that you are well on your way to recovery and happy days ahead. I actually heard about the match from my own 27 year old cousin who will be on the bone marrow registry due to her own AML. I can't express how happy I was to hear her joy, happiness and hope at hearing about your transplant match. Soon it will be her turn and we can look back on these days.
God bless, good luck, and safe, happy and healthy days in the future for you.
Congratulations and Good Luck!
Vinay and Rashmi,
I have been a silent lurker on your webpage..and today my lurking paid off! I am sooooo happy to read the latest update ..congrats on finding a donor and good luck with the transplant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please update as and when possible..keep us with you on this journey.
Congrats!!
This is absolutely the best news ever. Since the very beginning of this website i have been reading about you and keeping up with your updates. I cant explain how happy i am to know that you have found a match. Even though i have never met you or Rashmi, throughout this whole time i have felt a very close connection to you. I wish you the very best in everything and i'm so glad that this worked out for you. God Bless you both and remember all of us are with you.
Love,
Manisha
Very Happy to hear this...
I'm soo happy for u both....
Wish you very happy life...
Takecare
Get well soon..
May god bless you both..
Subha..