Message-Id: Date: Sun, 20 Aug 1995 16:37:24 -0500 To: Sri Lanka Net From: Asanga Wedisinghe 75 East End Avenue Apt. 15 J New York, N.Y. 10028 August 17,1995 Dear Reader, I am writing to ask for your cooperation in this venture to help terminally ill cancer patients in Sri Lanka. The two attached text is self exploratory. I have volunteered to serve on the Committee that is to Coordinate the Fund-raising Campaign. Our fund raising campaign consists of three distinct programs. They are: 1. The Adopt-a-bed & Patient programs 2. The Benefit Show Musical event 3. The World-wide Subscription Drive I would be most grateful for your support to participate in the "Adopt a bed and Patient" program by either donating a bed or contributing to this fund in any amount possible. Contributions should be made out to: Sri I-Lanka Cancer Society/East Coast Hospice Fund INC. C/O Mrs. S. Joseph, 75 East End Avenue, Apt. 15 J, New York, N.Y. 10028. We hope you will be able to support this needy cause. Whatever you can contribute will be gratefully acknowledged. The "Benefit Show" which is a concert of classical music, is to be held on October 7th,1995, at UNIS. We look forward to your patronage to a truly enjoyable evening. Tickets are priced at $20.00 and could be obtained from Mrs. Joseph or any other member. We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, THE SRI LANKA CANCER SOCIETY Chairman: Mr. H. R. GUNATILAKA Deputy Chairman: MR. W. M. P. WEERASINGE HonY. Gen. SecY: MRS. CROSSETTE THAMBYAH HonY. Asst. SecY: MRS P,JAYARATNE HonY. Treasurer: MR. E. P. MANNAKKARA HonY. Asst. Treasurer: MR. F. R. ALLES Patron:THE HON MINISTER OF HEALTH President: J.B. KELEGAMA Vice Presidents: MR. H. MOLAGODA MRS. V, N. PILLKI MRS, NIHAL FERNANDO MRS. W. K H, PERERA Telephone: 581700 37/25, Bullers Road, Colombo 7. Feb. 1st., 1995 Mrs. Suhasini Joseph 75 East End Avenue. # 15J New York, NY 10028 USA. Dear Sue, We have just launched a new project - that of establishing a Hospice at Maharagama, to care for the cancer patients who are terminally ill. Although the Hospice concept is widely known and established in most parts of the world, this will be the first of its kind to be established in this country. The building for the project has been constructed and is in the process of being equipped to commence the admission of patients. Thirty four special Hospice beds, of Italian make, costing over Rupees one million are being imported for this project. We created an "Adopt a Bed and Patient" programme. A bed will be endowed by any donor who contributes Rs. 50,000.00 ($1000.00) to this deserving cause. Each donation will be invested so that it's income can be utilized for the support of the patient and the maintenance of the bed. The name of each donor will be acknowledged by a plaque placed above each bed. We expect the expenditure on the Hospice project to be considerable, but we have no doubt, that all those with altruistic thoughts will greatly value it's concept and will willingly contribute to ease the suffering of fellow human beings who are terminally ill with no hope of recovery. With kind regards, Yours sincerely, Sgd/Mrs. Perin Captain THE HOSPICE A two storeyed building has been constructed for the Hospice. This building is designed to accommodate 40 terminally ill patients. The project will commence initially with 34 patients. Thirty four special Hospice beds and accessories, plus 2 reclining wheel chairs, all manufactured in Italy, have been imported. The other equipment required is being purchased locally. The procedure for admission to the Hospice is being worked out by a team of doctors. The staff for the project is being recruited. The date of the opening has not been fixed yet. A Hospice Fund has now been established. All donations will be credited to this fund. The fund will remain intact, and only the interest earned on the donations will be used for maintenance of the Hospice. An "Adopt a Bed and patient" fund will also be established. A bed will be endowed by any donor of Rs.50,000.00 (U$ 1,000.00). Each donation will be invested and only the interest will be used for the support of the patient and the maintenance of the bed. The name of each donor will be indicated by a brass plaque fixed above the bed. The expenses of our Cancer Care Home at Maharagama alone are in the region of Rs.2,500,000- per year. The grant we receive from the government is only Rs. 130,0001-per year. At present, the Society maintains a few specific funds where the annual interest is used for expenses. The interest earned on two of these funds. The Maharagama Home Fund and the John Gunatilake Fund, are used exclusively to meet part of the expenses needed to feed the patients at the Home. The cost of maintaining the Hospice is estimated at Rs.1,350,000- per year.