The bells are ringing in MCC…one of us needs to be saved

In the Halls (aka hostels) of Madras Christian College (MCC) there are bells by the outdoor stage. These bells are not as big as those found in churches, but sound similar. The bell would go off for events, meetings, tasks and for the prayer in the night. Once in a while, it would also go off during an emergency. A resident would ring the bell and immediately people would start swarming. If there was a need, everyone was ready to give a hand.

On August 9th, when Shivkumar, a friend from my MCC days, added me on a WhatsApp group named ‘Save Naveen,’ it was like that bell of our Hall had been sounded. In no time there were 100 of us, as each kept adding more friends from the campus days. There were my batch-mates, juniors, seniors, super seniors. What was the emergency, the task? To save one of us.

Just a day earlier, Shiv had shared the grim news on Facebook –

“Navaneetha Kumar (Thomas Hall, Batch of 1998 – 2001) has been diagnosed with leukemia and currently under observation in CMC Vellore. While he was initially diagnosed in November 2014 and was stable after the initial rounds of Chemotherapy, he has had a relapse once again. The doctors have prescribed two phases as treatment to cure him which is :-

Phase 1: Chemotherapy sittings for 4 batches each lasting 21 days with a total cost of 12 LKS( 10 LKS for treatment & Circa 2 LKS during recuperation period)

Phase 2 : Stem Cell replacement from an appropriate donor post Chemotherapy.

Naveen has exhausted all his financial options including personal loans, insurance etc. At this stage given his situation we wanted to reach out to this forum to see what help can be done. This is a time sensitive situation and therefore any help you can provide from a financial perspective (and/ or) help in handling medical care in CMC will be great.

All the hands have been on the deck since then. People spread the word, some reached out to NGOs to raise funds, and others tapped top public servants and politicians.

These days have been full of mixed feelings. It has been thrilling to get in touch with old mates, some of whom have done exceptionally well despite popular apprehensions ;).

At the same time, we realise that this is a crucial time for Naveen. We need to raise as much money as possible. The initial estimate of expenses has gone up and at present at least Rs 15 lakhs is needed for Naveen’s treatment. In all probability, this will go up further as he goes through the next round of chemotherapy and checks for stem cell treatment.

The money is needed to cover his stay, tests, bills, medicines. Naveen also needs to take special care of his diet. That is expensive too.

We are friends trying to save a friend’s life. In modern business jargon, this might be called crowdfunding. It is. Naveen needs as big a crowd as possible. We are now ringing the bells as loud as possible. MCCians, friends, colleagues, neighbors…all of us need to be part of this task. Please help…

… Save Naveen.

Please note –

Instructions to deposit DD/ Cheque into Naveens CMC account.

Cheque/DD in favor of : “The Treasurer, Christian Medical College, Vellore “

At the back of the check please mention : “Navaneetha Kumar, CMC Hospital number :145525G”

The courier needs to be sent to

Navaneetha Kumar, Hospital# 145525G, Haematology OPD block 1st floor Room# 1, CMC Hospital, Vellore 632004 ph# 9884233948

Please mail @ save.navanee@gmail.com and let us know once you send this courier. This will help in determining financial status.