Srinivas Venkata Challa

What started out as a headache in mid-January, was later diagnosed as brain cancer when Vas went to get checked at the hospital on January 21st. After the diagnosis, the doctors did not let Vas leave the hospital, has had a surgery on the same date. He is due to start chemotherapy and radiation on February 15. The doctors are giving him around 6 months to live, but we are praying and hoping that he will overcome this challenge despite the prognosis.

What makes the situation more difficult is that prior to being diagnosed, Vas was off work for several months, looking for a job. His wife is also a contract worker and neither of them have any health benefits. I don’t want to imagine the stress this is adding to Vas and his family in addition to having to battle for his life.

This is where I want to appeal to all of you. Although we may not be able to help Vas physically, we can join and support him and his family financially. Let us come together to lessen the burden that is on them during this time. I encourage each and every one of you to give, and give generously. Let us make an impact in their lives during this season. No gift is too small, and certainly no gift is too large. I don’t want any of you to give under compulsion, but I am hoping that reading this email will move you to action.

We so often tell others that we care for them and that we’re thinking, or praying for them. Well it’s time now to put those thoughts, cares, and prayers, into action. Let us be that glimmer of hope. Let us make a difference.