Thanks to the help of the Flushing Rotary, a 12-year-old boy from Trinidad and his family got some good news from the same surgeon that attended to him when he was just three months old.
Vasu Chadeesinth – a special guest at the Flushing Rotary Club meeting on September 16 at Giardino’s by Russo’s on the Bay – who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease after birth, was recently flown from Trinidad to New York so doctors at the Cohen Children Medical Center could determine whether or not he needed a third heart operation. The substantial cost of bringing Vasu, his mother and father to New York was covered by Rotary vice president Veronica Tsang, who made a healthy donation to Gift of Life International, an organization that works hand in hand with Rotary clubs to facilitate free medical services to children suffering from congenital heart defects and other similar illnesses – regardless of race, creed, gender, religion or national origin – who would otherwise lack access to such services.
“After meeting this child, I feel like I’m part of his journey,” said Tsang. “We hope we can do more to help other children as well.”
The Flushing Rotary served as a host organization for Vasu’s week-long stay in New York by taking him and his family to and from the airport, hospital visits and facilitating their stay at the Ronald McDonald House. For Rotary president Daniel Flori, Vasu’s story hits close to home.
“April 27 of 2007, I had a heart transplant,” Flori said, explaining his battle with cancer. “I’m feeling great. I’m getting to watch my children grow. It’s wonderful to hear success stories . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you guys.”
“I really have to thank Veronica and the Rotary Club . . . You are like angels walking on Earth,” said mother Shobha Chadeesinth. “This is what life is all about. This is something we don’t see too much back home.”
Doctors at Cohen determined that Vasu could wait until he was 17 years old until his next open heart surgery. Until then, he is expected to be the same energetic boy who loves soccer and school.
“I want to thank everybody,” said Vasu, who hopes one day to move to New York.
