Many of you have met Alpen's close friend Ryan from college. Here are some absolutely lovely videos from Ryan and his family...enjoy!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Alpen's Out! The Transplant was a Success!
Hey Everyone:
Great news! Alpen's transplant went very well and proceeded without any glitches or challenges. After a few days of chemo, a day of much-needed rest, the donor's and (now Alpen's) cells were inserted in the wee hours of Friday night/Saturday morning. After a quick day of monitoring, Alpen was released from the hospital on Sunday and is resting and recovering at Palak & Rahul's house.
While Alpen is a little tired, he is in great spirits and looking forward to getting some fresh air and playing his tablas. As Alpen himself reported by text message to many of you the morning after his transplant: "Woke up refreshed. I feel good about the days ahead and am happy with what I have now. Thank you for keeping me on track and keeping track of me."
So with the grace of God and with your continued love and support, Alpen enters the recovery phase of this treatment.
Thanks to Niru Aunty and Harsha Aunty for faithfully sitting by Alpen's side every single day in the hospital and for showering him with love and the most powerful of blessings: a mother's wish to protect her child. Thanks also to Palak & Rahul and Vivek who depsite their insanely busy schedules and their 13-hour workdays, were always around to lift Alpen's spirits and keep him upbeat while he was cooped up in the hospital.
Alpen-ites---thanks also to each of you for the outpouring of love and support and positive vibrations over the last week. We were certainly re-energized and uplifted by the scores of e-mails, phone calls, and prayers that we received.
While we have much to celebrate today, let us remember that the road ahead requires each of us to stay positive, hopeful, dedicated, and determined! Alpen needs your continued support as his body adjusts to his new cells and the new cells go to work fighting cancer.
So this is what I of each of you: please send e-mails, pictures, poems, videos, etc. of support for Alpen. Feel free to be creative--to make him laugh, to make him feel silly, to inspire him! To start us off, a few special people in Miami wanted to send Alpen some video messages....check them out!
From Suresh Uncle (pre-transplant--sorry for the late posting!)
From Cindy, Tony & Joseph - friends of Alpen
Also, the Miami Crew also had a pani puri/bhel celebration feast in honor of Alpen getting out of the hospital. Thanks to Dad, Suresh Uncle, Baa, Mukesh Uncle & Daksha Aunty, Murthy Uncle & Myetraie Aunty (forgive my bad spelling), Antim, Aarambh, Rashmi for the hearty celebration last night. Here are some pictures...enjoy!
Nayan Uncle hard a work peeling a pomegranate!
I'm demonstrating my surprise that he is getting his hands dirty!
Um. Yeah.
Thanks for all the love Alpenites.
We hear you loud and clear and are sending it right back at you.
Great news! Alpen's transplant went very well and proceeded without any glitches or challenges. After a few days of chemo, a day of much-needed rest, the donor's and (now Alpen's) cells were inserted in the wee hours of Friday night/Saturday morning. After a quick day of monitoring, Alpen was released from the hospital on Sunday and is resting and recovering at Palak & Rahul's house.
While Alpen is a little tired, he is in great spirits and looking forward to getting some fresh air and playing his tablas. As Alpen himself reported by text message to many of you the morning after his transplant: "Woke up refreshed. I feel good about the days ahead and am happy with what I have now. Thank you for keeping me on track and keeping track of me."
So with the grace of God and with your continued love and support, Alpen enters the recovery phase of this treatment.
Thanks to Niru Aunty and Harsha Aunty for faithfully sitting by Alpen's side every single day in the hospital and for showering him with love and the most powerful of blessings: a mother's wish to protect her child. Thanks also to Palak & Rahul and Vivek who depsite their insanely busy schedules and their 13-hour workdays, were always around to lift Alpen's spirits and keep him upbeat while he was cooped up in the hospital.
Alpen-ites---thanks also to each of you for the outpouring of love and support and positive vibrations over the last week. We were certainly re-energized and uplifted by the scores of e-mails, phone calls, and prayers that we received.
While we have much to celebrate today, let us remember that the road ahead requires each of us to stay positive, hopeful, dedicated, and determined! Alpen needs your continued support as his body adjusts to his new cells and the new cells go to work fighting cancer.
So this is what I of each of you: please send e-mails, pictures, poems, videos, etc. of support for Alpen. Feel free to be creative--to make him laugh, to make him feel silly, to inspire him! To start us off, a few special people in Miami wanted to send Alpen some video messages....check them out!
From Suresh Uncle (pre-transplant--sorry for the late posting!)
From Cindy, Tony & Joseph - friends of Alpen
Also, the Miami Crew also had a pani puri/bhel celebration feast in honor of Alpen getting out of the hospital. Thanks to Dad, Suresh Uncle, Baa, Mukesh Uncle & Daksha Aunty, Murthy Uncle & Myetraie Aunty (forgive my bad spelling), Antim, Aarambh, Rashmi for the hearty celebration last night. Here are some pictures...enjoy!
Yum! Check out the spread!
Check out the smile on Uncle!
MuKaka (the photographer) & Daksha Aunty
MuKaka (the photographer) & Daksha Aunty
Nayan Uncle & the kids!
Nayan Uncle hard a work peeling a pomegranate!
I'm demonstrating my surprise that he is getting his hands dirty!
Um. Yeah.
Thanks for all the love Alpenites.
We hear you loud and clear and are sending it right back at you.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Day 2 in Hospital
Alpen-ites:
A quick update: After a fun-filled few days enjoying the sights, sounds and culinary treats of Boston Alpen was admitted to the hospital at 9pm on Saturday, October 31st to begin his bone-marrow transplant.
Thanks to the Boston crew--Palak, Rahul, Mom, Niru Aunty, Jessica & Rohan, Vivek, Michelle, Aarti & Rohit for making sure Alpen's first few days in Boston were lovely and for sending him off to the hospital with love.
Alpen reports that his room in ward 6D is roughly the same size as his room last time and that the nurse are just as nice. Check out the picture below of him enjoying hospital "cuisine" which turns out is actually pretty decent when it comes to french fries & pizza.
Treatment wise, Alpen is currently undergoing chemo which should continue through Wednesday. He reports that the chemo is "not that bad" and has been staying busy by watching The Office, stretching, and of course listening to lots of music.
IMPORTANT: For those of you that plan to visit Alpen at any point during his treatment and recovery---it is imperative that you get a flu vaccination before coming into contact with him.
As you know, Alpen's immune system will be comprimised throughout this process and we all must take as many precuations as neccesary to ensure he is not infected with illnesses that his body cannot defend against.
Finally, a brief summary of the road ahead:
11/1 - 11/4 - Chemo
11/5 - Rest
11/6 - Stem Cell Transplant (Day 0)
11/7 - 11/17 - Immunosupressants (Day 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11)
11/19 - DFCI WBC Count Check (expect initial increase of WBC count in bloodstream)
12/1 - 12/4 - Chimerism test (quantifies ratio of donor blood cell count to my original cell count in blood stream aka "engraftment")
Complimentary care can begin from Late November/Early December. Exercise is encouraged, and the doctor encourages outdoor activity including walking, running, biking, and skiing. From December onwards, there will be 2 weekly visits to DFCI for the first 3 months. Thereafter, clinic visits will taper to once every two week and eventually to once a month till the sixth month. Close monitoring will continue up to one year from Day 0, but frequency is negotiable depending on schedule preferences.
More from me later. Feel free to email/Skype Alpen--he will respond as he is available and up to it.
A quick update: After a fun-filled few days enjoying the sights, sounds and culinary treats of Boston Alpen was admitted to the hospital at 9pm on Saturday, October 31st to begin his bone-marrow transplant.
Thanks to the Boston crew--Palak, Rahul, Mom, Niru Aunty, Jessica & Rohan, Vivek, Michelle, Aarti & Rohit for making sure Alpen's first few days in Boston were lovely and for sending him off to the hospital with love.
Alpen reports that his room in ward 6D is roughly the same size as his room last time and that the nurse are just as nice. Check out the picture below of him enjoying hospital "cuisine" which turns out is actually pretty decent when it comes to french fries & pizza.
Treatment wise, Alpen is currently undergoing chemo which should continue through Wednesday. He reports that the chemo is "not that bad" and has been staying busy by watching The Office, stretching, and of course listening to lots of music.
IMPORTANT: For those of you that plan to visit Alpen at any point during his treatment and recovery---it is imperative that you get a flu vaccination before coming into contact with him.
As you know, Alpen's immune system will be comprimised throughout this process and we all must take as many precuations as neccesary to ensure he is not infected with illnesses that his body cannot defend against.
Finally, a brief summary of the road ahead:
11/1 - 11/4 - Chemo
11/5 - Rest
11/6 - Stem Cell Transplant (Day 0)
11/7 - 11/17 - Immunosupressants (Day 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11)
11/19 - DFCI WBC Count Check (expect initial increase of WBC count in bloodstream)
12/1 - 12/4 - Chimerism test (quantifies ratio of donor blood cell count to my original cell count in blood stream aka "engraftment")
Complimentary care can begin from Late November/Early December. Exercise is encouraged, and the doctor encourages outdoor activity including walking, running, biking, and skiing. From December onwards, there will be 2 weekly visits to DFCI for the first 3 months. Thereafter, clinic visits will taper to once every two week and eventually to once a month till the sixth month. Close monitoring will continue up to one year from Day 0, but frequency is negotiable depending on schedule preferences.
More from me later. Feel free to email/Skype Alpen--he will respond as he is available and up to it.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Setting Intentions....
Alpen-ites. Tomorrow it begins! Yes, tomorrow, Alpen will be admitted to the hospital to begin the inpatient portion of his bone-marrow transplant.
As such, Alpen-ites, I ask each of you to spend a little time tonight gathering your thoughts, prayers, intentions, and wishes that this bone-marrow transplant will heal, protect, and ultimately free Alpen from disease.
Today, rather than focus on the possible risks, uncomfortable side effects, or frustrating restrictions that come with this treatment---let us instead focus on the possibility, blessings, and opportunity that lay within this treatment.
Today, let us feel deep gratitude for the kind and generous stranger that traveled across continents to donate their marrow to Alpen.
Today, lets us revel in our good fortune that Alpen being treated at the best hospital with the best doctors---with our family's most trusted and brilliant doctors close by.
Today, let us count our blessings that unlike thousands of others in this country, Alpen has health insurance and that finances have never decided whether he has access to the best and most advanced treatments.
Finally, today, let our hearts expand with joy and our mindseye linger on the possibility of a cure within this treatment.
Now this is not to say that we should place any unnecessary expectations on this treatment. Though we most certainly will hope for the best, we must be sure to maintain a certain agility, openness, and grace for whatever terrain lies ahead.
However, today, we set forth our intention and determination that this treatment will begin auspicously without obstacle and will yield the highest benefit possible to Alpen.
Onward! To a cancer-free existence!
As such, Alpen-ites, I ask each of you to spend a little time tonight gathering your thoughts, prayers, intentions, and wishes that this bone-marrow transplant will heal, protect, and ultimately free Alpen from disease.
Today, rather than focus on the possible risks, uncomfortable side effects, or frustrating restrictions that come with this treatment---let us instead focus on the possibility, blessings, and opportunity that lay within this treatment.
Today, let us feel deep gratitude for the kind and generous stranger that traveled across continents to donate their marrow to Alpen.
Today, lets us revel in our good fortune that Alpen being treated at the best hospital with the best doctors---with our family's most trusted and brilliant doctors close by.
Today, let us count our blessings that unlike thousands of others in this country, Alpen has health insurance and that finances have never decided whether he has access to the best and most advanced treatments.
Finally, today, let our hearts expand with joy and our mindseye linger on the possibility of a cure within this treatment.
Now this is not to say that we should place any unnecessary expectations on this treatment. Though we most certainly will hope for the best, we must be sure to maintain a certain agility, openness, and grace for whatever terrain lies ahead.
However, today, we set forth our intention and determination that this treatment will begin auspicously without obstacle and will yield the highest benefit possible to Alpen.
Onward! To a cancer-free existence!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Alpen Has Left the Building!!
Alpen-ites:
Yes. It is true. Alpen has left the building! Suresh Uncle and I just got back from the airport. Whew! It was a hectic morning to say the least--complete with a trip back to the house for a forgotten coat, luggage/trunk puzzles, short-term parking hassles, nail-bittingly stressful bag weigh-in---all while we were running late! BUT we made it. And after a special airport breakfast (and love) delivery from Nayan & Harsha....Niru Aunty & Alpen are safely on their way to Boston!
Boston Team....you are up!
Now let me just tell you Boston, I'm not trying to brag, but Miami has sent Alpen off with his heart, pockets, socks, luggage, ears--everything---filled to the brim with love. For the last 10 days, Alpen has been literally been surrounded, engulfed, smothered by support, love and laughter. There have been planned and improptu lunches, dinners, concerts, hang-outs sessions, beach excursions, car rides, and all around good times.
Alpen has flown kites, talked politics, changed tires at midnight, packed (and re-packed) his bags, Bahama-Breezed, both appreciated/critiqued live music (classic Alpen), gone swimming on the coldest day of the year, enjoyed homemade arepas, treated Suresh Uncle to lunch at his favorite Italian restaurant, made suprise visits to the DDA, stayed up till the wee hours of the morning, and of course laughed laughed laughed so heartily with many of you.
Big ups to Mazen, Monique, Hearns & Louise & the kids, Gi & Marcia, Nas/Xandino, Tony, Joseph, Emerson & Carolina, Subhash & Nilu, and of course Rashmi, Murthy Uncle, Maytri Aunty, Nayan, Harsha, Baa, and Suresh Uncle for fortifying Alpen's spirit and soul with so much love and protection!
And so Day 1 of this journey begins.
With each other's support we are all ready to face what lies ahead with determination, optimism and joy.
One last thing: as you know, Suresh Uncle will be working very long hours for the next few months at the Indo-American Store. Please remember to pick up the phone every now and then to give Uncle some extra love & check on him (305-382-7570). Or if you are local, stop by sometime and see him---bring him some tea, or a snack, set up Skype for him---just let him know that we are here with him!
Alpen's first doctor appointment is tomorrow. More from me after that.
Much love Alpen-ites. Much love.
Yes. It is true. Alpen has left the building! Suresh Uncle and I just got back from the airport. Whew! It was a hectic morning to say the least--complete with a trip back to the house for a forgotten coat, luggage/trunk puzzles, short-term parking hassles, nail-bittingly stressful bag weigh-in---all while we were running late! BUT we made it. And after a special airport breakfast (and love) delivery from Nayan & Harsha....Niru Aunty & Alpen are safely on their way to Boston!
Boston Team....you are up!
Now let me just tell you Boston, I'm not trying to brag, but Miami has sent Alpen off with his heart, pockets, socks, luggage, ears--everything---filled to the brim with love. For the last 10 days, Alpen has been literally been surrounded, engulfed, smothered by support, love and laughter. There have been planned and improptu lunches, dinners, concerts, hang-outs sessions, beach excursions, car rides, and all around good times.
Alpen has flown kites, talked politics, changed tires at midnight, packed (and re-packed) his bags, Bahama-Breezed, both appreciated/critiqued live music (classic Alpen), gone swimming on the coldest day of the year, enjoyed homemade arepas, treated Suresh Uncle to lunch at his favorite Italian restaurant, made suprise visits to the DDA, stayed up till the wee hours of the morning, and of course laughed laughed laughed so heartily with many of you.
Big ups to Mazen, Monique, Hearns & Louise & the kids, Gi & Marcia, Nas/Xandino, Tony, Joseph, Emerson & Carolina, Subhash & Nilu, and of course Rashmi, Murthy Uncle, Maytri Aunty, Nayan, Harsha, Baa, and Suresh Uncle for fortifying Alpen's spirit and soul with so much love and protection!
And so Day 1 of this journey begins.
With each other's support we are all ready to face what lies ahead with determination, optimism and joy.
One last thing: as you know, Suresh Uncle will be working very long hours for the next few months at the Indo-American Store. Please remember to pick up the phone every now and then to give Uncle some extra love & check on him (305-382-7570). Or if you are local, stop by sometime and see him---bring him some tea, or a snack, set up Skype for him---just let him know that we are here with him!
Alpen's first doctor appointment is tomorrow. More from me after that.
Much love Alpen-ites. Much love.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Were BAAACK!!
Alpenites!!
We are back in session. As most of you know Alpen is heading off to Boston on October 25th for a Bone Marrow Transplant. So the time is ripe to re-ignite this blog....here are some recent pics of Alpen and the family for your viewing pleasure while you stay tuned for more posts.....
Love,
The Alpen Repor(t)
Raksha Bandan with Rashmi, Purvi & Sush
Family Pizza Night before Sush moved to Chicago
Alpen's Three Moms
We are back in session. As most of you know Alpen is heading off to Boston on October 25th for a Bone Marrow Transplant. So the time is ripe to re-ignite this blog....here are some recent pics of Alpen and the family for your viewing pleasure while you stay tuned for more posts.....
Love,
The Alpen Repor(t)
Alpen at Krupal & Mira's Wedding
Raksha Bandan with Rashmi, Purvi & Sush
Family Pizza Night before Sush moved to Chicago
Alpen's Three Moms
Suresh Uncle enjoying(?) pizza...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Papa Got an Award!
MC: As a community service professional I know that my mission is to make the community a better place to live for all. I also know that certain people of the community are the eyes for many professionals like me who cannot function without active help and assistance from these concerned and sensitive members of our community. Our next recipient is one such member of the family who has astute observation, keen eyes and sensitive ears. He is never hesitant to stop somone who appeared distressed or down to ask "what is the problem, how can I help you," and then is able to turn the challenge over to those who appear best equipped to deal with the problem. Ladies and Gentlemen, our next honoree and unsung hero is Suresh Sheth. As I invite him to the stage, I also want to make another observation that Universal Heritage Institute deserves your applause for dicovering and recognizing community gems like Suresh. Thank you.
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