When the activities for a website launch and an outing for the muscular dystrophy affected kids were to be planned Mayajaal was the choice. It was a day most anxiously awaited for by the children, parents and the muscular dystrophy support group. The invites reached the families and the response was overwhelming.

Assembling and registering at SMF

The day started out at Sundaram medical foundation where the fresh banner with the new logo of our MDA and our volunteers set to greet and welcome the children and parents. The volunteers from the schools were busy registering and handing over the badges specially made for the kids and parents. After nice cold limejuice the children were ready to board the fun bus.

The day started out at Sundaram medical foundation where the fresh banner with the new logo of our MDA and our volunteers set to greet and welcome the children and parents. The volunteers from the schools were busy registering and handing over the badges specially made for the kids and parents. After nice cold limejuice the children were ready to board the fun bus.

As the fun bus arrived-the one sponsored by Ashok Leyland, volunteers rushed to bus to have it decorated with colorful balloons .A luxury coach from Rathi mina transport and a Vidyasagar van commuted the team toMayajaal---on the ECR road. The children and the families had a great drive to MayajaalThe school children entertained the parents and kids on the bus with their songs and dances.

There were volunteers already set to receive the families coming directly to Mayajaal from Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry and Bangalore. The children were helped by the volunteers to the central dome area in Mayajal.Lunch was served on arrival and Dr.Lakshmi briefed the children on the activities planned for them for the rest of the afternoon. The parents were directed to the various scientific sessions awaiting them in the hall next to the play area.

The afternoon for the children started with the fun game -Passing the parcel. Every child had the opportunity to participate. The children were taken care and supported by the volunteers. With a nice big circular seating the game started off with claps from volunteers . For every kid getting out of the game a gift and a big applause accompanied. The school children who were volunteers did a great job helping the children participate and play. With around 65 children to start with the game became hotter as time passed and then with ten kids left the whole floor was clapping and applauding. The final winner of the game was carried by the volunteers and the three winners of the game beamed with joy.

The children then participated in other activities like painting, playing the in-house games at Mayajaal and a few musically inclined children went to practice the special song for the evening launch programme.It was heartening to see the children enjoy and play. The school volunteers did a great job helping the children. The children nearly forgot their parents and were involved in their activities.

By then, the scientific sessions were in their full swing. The session on nutrition and DMD was conducted by Ms.Bamini, Nutrition support services, SMF.This was followed by molecular diagnostics and duchenne by Sakthivel from the Molecular diagnostic facility team.The clinical aspects mostly the question answer sessions were conducted by Dr.Viswanathan and Dr.Vijay. Due to short of time the much awaited physiotherapy session could not be formally conducted though Mr. Suresh was surrounded by parents during snack time.

The snack time was also filled in with a mimicry show. The children enjoyed the snacks and an ice cream sponsored by an instant donor from Malaysia….

It was 4.30 p.m and guests for the evening started arriving for the web site launch function. All the invited guests were on time and the evening show started with a wonderful prayer song by the school volunteers. The little ones came forward to gift the guests with basket of flowers. With a welcome note from Dr. Lakshmi the programme took off. She conveyed the wishes of Dr.Vijayabharathi Rangarajan, Chairman and Director Community services,SMF who was unable to attend the function.Dr.Viswanathan the founding member of MDA briefed the gathering with the activities of MDA India.Mr.Durai, Director Administration; SMF introduced the guests to the gathering.

Mr.V.Narayanan, Director Willingdon Corporate foundation the chief guest of the evening formally inaugurated the website and addressed the parents and the gathering. His speech in Tamil was much appreciated by the parents.Dr.Lakshmi introduced the gathering to the site and explained the key inputs available on the site. The children's corner was a main attraction in the mdaindia.org site, not found in other muscular dystrophy sites world wide. The team was sure that the kids would enjoy the activities in the site. Special mention was made to Mr. Daniel for his contribution on the logo for MDA India .

The guests Dr.C.S.Jain from ONGC, Bro.Selvarajan from Freemasons conveyed their thoughts and wishes.Mr.Krisnamachari Srikkanth, former Indian Cricketer was the special guest and children were busy getting his autograph. Hoists and wheel chairs were donated during the programme.

The evening was spiced with the special song sung by the school volunteers and the children. It was a heart touching song sung in coordination.

The success of the day was marked with the overwhelming response from the parents, children, guests, well wishers and sponsors. It was a fun day filled with activities and new friends for the children; a day with lots of inputs for the parents; a thought provoking day for the guests and a contented day for the organizers. The programme ended with the national anthem and the children left the venue with carry home gifts, smiles and big byes!!!

This is just the start and as a team there are lots more to be done…in terms of science, education, reach and solace for the affected families.

Together we are making a difference!!