Bodhi Virya's Page of True Love and Hope

Committee's Diary : Eighth Week

2005-09-27T13:49:00.000+07:00

The hospital has just called and Bodhi can be discharged from Hospital on 29 September 2005.

We would like to thank those who has supported us all this time. We will close the account for donation accordingly.

May all beings live in happiness.

Committee's Diary : Sixth & Seventh Week

2005-09-27T13:46:00.000+07:00

Bodhi was reported still underweight, still feed on special formulated milk to gain weight.

Committee's Diary : Fifth Week

2005-09-06T18:09:00.000+07:00

Monday, 5 September 2005

We are going to send Bodhi's Mother to Singapore so she can learn how to take care of Bodhi. Doctor also requested this before so the mother can be trained.

Tuesday, 6 September 2005

THe treasurer, the mother and one of the auntie from Buddhayana Temple went to Singapore. Got the update from the doctor that Bodhi will not be discharged within this week, but by next week...... what to do.. if the doctor said so.

I hope that Bodhi will recover sooner than the doctor predicted because of the mother-child bonding.... Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukkhitatta.

7 - 11 September 2005

Bodhi was reported underweight, therefore need to be given a special milk.

Committee's Diary : Forth Week

2005-09-03T18:26:00.000+07:00

Monday, 29 August 2005

Today the nurse mentioned that Baby Bodhi is in a very good condition, now he totally looked like a normal baby only with a little bigger stomach.

Tuesday, 30 August 2005

Today, Romi, Ven.Nyana Karuno and Ven.Sumanggalo visit Bodhi at the hospital and also to pay some additional the deposit. The doctor asked the mother to come, they need to train the mother how to take care of Bodhi with this condition. The mother need to stay in the hospital for few days for this training. The good news is, Bodhi will be discharged from Hospital latest by 10 September... wow it means that he will be recover soon and can go back to his family.

Wednesday, 31 August 2005

The nurse was asking why the father never come? I just smile and told her that we need to reconsider about the cost as well but we will send the mother to the hospital for the training. Bodhi was reported in a very stabile condition. We will try to arrange one of our friend who is a doctor to go to Mount E to get some update and information from the doctor the first aid that need to be given to Bodhi once he returned to Batam and if any complication occur.

Some of our contacts in Singapore gave Bodhi a visit at this night.

Thursday, 1 September 2005

Bodhi was reported in a very good condition and healthy. We have agreed that our friend who is a doctor will go to Mount E on the next morning.

Friday, 2 September 2005

It was almost 9.30 when I reached the hospital, but miss the doctor already so I could not spoke with the doctor regarding Bodhi. I informed my friend who was still on the way, so there is no use for him to come to hospital since the doctor already left.

The nurse informed that this pass few days, Bodhi vomitted several times, but it is normal. He looks so cute with his big eyes, the nurse also mentioned that Bodhi loved being cuddled and swing... wow.... and I don't have the words to describe, if you are there, you will know.

It was around 7 pm when the groups from Singapore came to the hospital and visited Bodhi again. We talked and discussed a lot. I should thank to Bodhi, if without him, how can I know these marvelous persons. They were also astonished by Bodhi who is very strong and so cute...

Saturday, 2 September 2005

Need to update Bodhi's condition to the Radio in Jakarta that helped us to raise the fund.

Sunday, 3 September 2005

Since Bodhi is recovering, we put arest our worry on him. He will survive. Had a big dinner tonight with several friends to have some chat.

Comittee's Diary : Third Week

2005-08-27T16:30:00.000+07:00

Monday, 22 August 2005

Just received an SMS that we are going to gather at Buddhaya Temple to chant some parittas for Bodhi Virya. Hoping that he will get well soon........

I called to the hospital.... the baby was still sleeping..... zzzz.... hmm.. the nurse said that he was sleeping comfortably.

Tuesday, 23 August 2005

We're going to have a paritta chanting tonight. I have to cancel my attendance to the office function. ...

Wednesday, 24 August 2005

None attended the paritta chanting on last night, the parents were there. So paritta chanting was cancelled. Hmm.. Bodhi we all pray for you in our heart.

It was 9.15 pm when I reached the hospital. Once I entered the ICU room, the nurse asked whether I was Bodhi's father. I was smiling and tell her that I was part of the committee.. Gee.. then another nurse mentioned," Oh, so this is the father..". Can you imagine ... may be because I gave Bodhi so many visits.. but anyway..... we all a one big family.

I approached Bodhi and took some pictures (my camera phone does not have a good quality, sorry the pictures is dark). At the first time when I looked at him, I thought that he was taking his milk but later on the nurse told me that it was a pacifier, just to calming down the baby.

The nurse explained that Baby Bodhi dreamt a lot, they admired his spirit and his strength (in fact I admired him as well because it must be very painful). I chat a lot with the nurse. I was about to leave the ICU room but then decided to have a closer look at the baby and wished in my heart hoping that he would recover soon. Bodhi opened his eyes suddenly and looked at me then he shocked his body a little bit and I heard a sound... WOW!! he was farting.. and make a very big sound.... I jumped in my heart and rushing to the nurse.

"Nurse! I think he is farting!."

The nurse looked at me and smile.

"Well, it means that his intestinals is working."

I left the hospital about 9.45. Walking down the street to the nearest MRT station and smiling all the way. Baby Bodhi will recover soon! I SMS back to Batam to inform all members. But it was too bad that he still had to wait another few days before the nurse could fed him the milk.

Thursday, 25 August 2005.

I did not know who called me so many times because I was still in the middle of workshop and it was not polite to answer the phone.

In the afternoon, I received a SMS mentioning that the hospital was trying to reach me to ask the committee to deposit another SGD 16,000. Hmm.. I could not do anything that day.

It was 9.00 pm when I reached the temple and it was a big "Ulambana"/"Patidana". I met with Romi, the committee treasurer to discuss about the deposit. The decission was made, Romi will go to the hospital to settle the deposit on 27 Aug.

We also discuss that night if the donation received is more that what we need then we will build a foundation. We will name it as "bodhi virya foundataion" to help all emergency neonatal case. It awas only a draft but some friends already gave us a full support, one of them even will provide us the WEB Space and the web address, free of charge.

Actually there are already few cases waiting for us to handle, but it was not an emergency neonatal case. So we all decided to settle Baby Bodhi's case first.

Friday, 26 August 2005

I was not feeling well today. Need to leave the office earlier, my body temperature was high in the morning and apparently in the afternoon already back to normal so I went to the temple helping the treasurer.

Saturday, 27 August 2005

I just called the hospital when I was about to update this page. The nurse mentioned that they have given milk to Baby Bodhi since Thursday. WOW! He is a very very strong boy indeed! No objection.

"He is a hungry boy now," the nurse said. "We have to give him 3/4 strength first and he is doing okay and very strong."

I just smile..... and smile...

Baby Bodhi... may all beings live in happiness.

Sunday, 28 August 2005

Nothing special today, only having some usual activities...

Pictures of Bodhi Virya

2005-08-27T15:30:00.000+07:00

The baby's picture, first day when he was born with congenital abdominal deformity wall.
Picture taken : 08 August 2005

Picture taken on : 13 August 2005

Pictures taken 14 Aug 2005 when we have the permission to see the baby when the doctors and nurse were about t0 change the bandage and to push the intestinal a little bit into his abdominal

This picture was taken on 21 Aug 2005, after Baby Bodhi had his second surgery. All of his intestines already inside his abdominal... need to wait for several days before the nurse can start giving him milk. Bodhi, we know you can make it.

The pictures below was taken on 24 August 2005, he was not taking milk but it was only a pacifier.

This album will be updated accordingly.

Committee's Diary : Second Week

2005-08-21T22:15:00.000+07:00

Monday, 15 August 2005

The baby's condition is good. The doctor has decided to put off ventilator and will see his condition. The nurse mentioned that the baby is very strong.

The committee held a meeting to get the update about the donation. We only have SGD 10,000. Getting stress and frustrated, we have to expand out our network. Concerns were raised, all parties will help to spread the news. We still need to collect more donations. We will approach the hospital management.

Tuesday, 16 August 2005

The baby was reported in a very good condition, the ventilator had been totally put off and he feels comfortable.

Wednesday, 17 August 2005

Today is our country independence day, but to us, we still have a very long way to go. Still havent got good response from the hospital management representative in Batam. We still need to wait and have to cancel our trip to Singapore.

The baby is not relying on the ventilator (WOW He is a very strong baby surely). It still takes a week or more than a week for his intestines to be fully inside his abdominal.

We need your support.

So far we only have about SGD 15,000. And we have already reached dead end. Stress and frustration, but we will not give up. We will keep trying to approach the hospital management. Just had a big fight with the hospital representatives in Batam. I know, this is not the way how to approach, this is not the way for us to settle things.. but................. Anyone can help us?

Thursday, 18 August 2005

If you were me, I think you will smile and cry. The nurse reported that the baby was sleeping comfortably with no ventilator and he had his special nutrition.

Bodhi.. you are a strong boy. We all know that you can make it.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Friday, 19 August 2005

Bodhi is doing okay, hopefully by nextweek all his intestines will be inside his abdominal and will get the second surgery. The bad news is we have tried so hard but can only get the sum of SGD 19,000.

As I am updating this diary, I think I need sometimes to cooling down myself. Need to take some cofee and relieve a little bit, somehow I still have the strong believe that we can settle the bill no matter what. Just spoke to the hospital, they will give some discount but still the same the daily bill will hiking up little by little. I have a very very strong sense that we can raise the sum, but cannot take the risk by only having the positive thinking, have to work something out. If the baby is ready to be discharged and we still do not have the amount, what should we do...........sabbe satta bhavantu sukkhitatta, may all beings live in happiness.

Ven.Nekkhamma called and informed that the passport for the mother need to be prepared, I explain that we cannot spend some more because we still do not know how much the bill will be, cannot take the risk, eventhough 1 cents is very valuable now to us. Later on Ven.Nekkhamma called again and mentioned that there is someone who is willing to settle for the passport matter and also assist to get the passport to be ready a.s.a.p.

Amitofo... ... ... I know that somehow, somewhere there will is a way out for this. Every problem will not be in persistance for a long time because there is always a way out and a way to settle. Patience and wisdom are needed for us not to live with the problem, but to face and figure out a way to settle it down wisely. Somewhere.. somehow... out there... ... ... .... may all beings live in happiness and wisdom.

Saturday, 20 August 2005

We received a news last night that there was another group which is looking for donation by using Bodhi's picture with the different bank account number. We were shocked!!

We have to recall out teams and start the best thing is we have to announce on tomorrow (Sunday) newspaper. I just can't imagine that some groups using this chance to collect the money, we have never approved any other account number.... hmm.... the world is not as pretty as what we thought... Somehow I got the feeling may be the news is not correct or maybe it is just a rumor...... I don't know. What I know is we have noticed that this kind of problem will raise anyway.

.... .... .... .... may all beings live in happiness.

In the early morning, one of my friend sent me a SMS informing that we might get one of the Radio in Jakarta to help us to raise the fund. Knowing this, I straight away requested the contact number and send the informatin by SMS (tried to call, but no answer).... Bodhi.. you have to survive... we will work hard for you, you have to hold on......

It was 7 pm when we gathered together at the same building across Buddhayana Temple. It was only 8 of us. I thought that it would be crowded so I bought lots of snacks, and it endup with only 8 persons.. hmm.. anyway... the show had to go on... we could not just wait...

We had been through a quite tough discussion starting from the hospital management matter to the after discharged from hospital matter. But the main thing we discussed the most that night was the information that we received a night before. We had no evidence and it was hard for us to get the decission. Anyway, we had decided that there would be no more fund collection, we would publish in the news paper requesting that all funds requested to be transferred directly into the account.

.................... feel quite tired....... sleepy..........

Sunday, 21 August 2005

It was 9 in the morning when I received a call from Hospital. I thought that it was something emergency. The nurse was informing me that Bodhi's would had his second surgery, the doctor need to close the abdominal since his intestines almost all already inside his abdominal. At that time I was in the middle of public space with loud music, our company was helding a big gathering. I tried to get the information right, the operation would be either Monday or Tuesday.

I rushed and update the commitees. The father and Mr.Fendy was appointed to go to Singapore to sign the papers. They departed from Batam Centre International Ferry terminal around 3 pm.

Now the only thing that we could do was wait.... wait for their update.

It was 8.30 pm when we met them at Buddhayana Temple. We were quite shocked knowing that Bodhi Virya already had his surgery in the morning around 10 a.m......

At that time... I was questioning myself that time, did I hear it wrongly... did I pay enough attention on what the nurse was trying to inform me. I feel bad......

Bodhi Virya's condition was reported in a very good condition. Doctor will try to give him the milk in this few days and will see how his intestines reponse. If everything is good then within 2 weeks he can be discharged from hospital....... Amitofo......

Bodhi, we know you are strong.... we feel that.... you can do it....

Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukkhitatta.

May all beings live in Happiness

Committee's Diary : First Week

2005-08-14T18:04:00.000+07:00

Monday, Day 1, 08 Aug 2005

It was noon when we know about this situation. One of us would like to have a lunch together with the monk and calling the other friend who was actually at the hospital already. On the phone he was mentioning that something bad has happened and we had to rush to Budi Kemuliaan Batam Hospital. Getting this information, some of us were rushing to the hospital meanwhile the other was looking for any contacts that might help us.

The teacher association started to collect some donation.

We had already made a decision to send this baby to Jakarta concerning the passport that would take sometimes to be processed. In fact for this emergency, the Imigration staff gave us full support, passport for the baby and the father could be finished in 2 hours, with no additional charges. Later on we received the information that the hospital in Jakarta had never had a success record for such case.

We contacted one by one public social charity foundation to ask for opinion and assistance. None of them give a quick response. Actually at the first step there were two hospital that we proposed within our groups, KK or Mount E. Later on PSMTI (Paguyuban Sosial Marga Tionghoa Indonesia / Chinese Social Foundation) Batam give a recommendation to Mount E. The hospital had a baby patient as well two years ago with the same condition with successful record and was also recommended by PSMTI.

All arrangement was made with the Budi Kemuliaan Hospital including preparing the passport for the baby and father. The baby was sent to Singapore in a mobile incubator and accompanied by two nurses. All expenses for transferring the baby to Mount Elizabeth was born by Yayasan Budi Bakti (represented by Mr.Rudy Tan) in the sum of SGD 1500.

It was already 5 pm Batam time.

We have to catch the next earliest ferry to Singapore. We took the 6 pm over Wavemaster ferry. All Wavemaster staff showed a good cooperation, the captain on board, Mr.Yudi, also ensure us that the baby will be safe up to Singapore.

There was three of us, Romi, Fendi and the baby's father (Wijianto) and two nurses. We realized at that time that we had not arranged any ambulance to pick up the baby and there was no assurance that the hospital will have a spare mobile incubator. Captain Yudi as the person in charge assist us to contact their Singapore Agent to arrange the ambulance but we got bad news, no mobile incubator. We, however had to discuss with the nurses. Decision was made that the mobile incubator from Batam will be used to send the baby to Mount E Hospital accompanied by the nurses otherwise we have to bring the baby to the hospital without any incubator.

We were desperate at that time, fortunately the nurse agreed and Captain Yudi assured them that the incubator will be safely returned to Batam. It was 8 pm Singapore time when we reached Horbourfront Singapore International Ferry terminal. Ambulance had already stand by, the immigration showed a very good cooperation.

One of us has to take the cab because of the passenger limitation in Singapore.

It was almost 9 Singapore time when we reach the hospital.

We rush to the accident and emergency care unit. We were shock because there was no information sent from the Hospital Batam representative which had been contacted by PSMTI. Anyway the hospital gave a very good cooperation, they took care the baby immediately meanwhile the other staff contacting the Batam representative.

We only have SGD 3000 cash which we borrowed and placed it as deposit.

We were exhausted, nothing much that we could do, we have delivered the baby safely to the hospital. The hospital advised that there was some infection with the baby and the baby need to be treat a.s.a.p. Nothing we could do but to approve any step to be taken to safe this baby.

We rent a room at the nearby housing to relieve our stress. We need to rest after a big effort, there is still something that we need to do... raise the fund for this baby.... as the night gone by.....

Tuesday, 9 August 2005

It was 7 am when we reached the hospital, we still felt the breeze.

The baby's condition was reported quite stable. He would had his first surgery on 8 am. We chanted few parittas before the baby surgery started. Before entering to the surgery room, the baby gave a good cooperation as he was looking at us and trying to tell us everything will be okay, he will survive.

It was 9 am when the surgery finished and the doctor advised that the baby was in good condition. About 50% of the intestines already placed inside of his abdominal. It requires about 3 - 4 weeks more. The doctor need to push the intestine a little bit each day to give time for the abdominal wall to develop slowly or otherwise the baby cannot breathe because the lung will have no space. The estimated total cost informed was SGD 15000 - 20000. The doctor was optimist.

We need to rush back to Batam to inform others about the medical action taken and also the total cost estimated. We take the 2 pm ferry from Singapore. ........

It was 7 pm Batam time, we gathered at Bodhi Dharma Playgroup building in front of Buddhayana Temple.

There were about 10 - 15 persons gathered. We were discussing our plan to raise the fund. There were Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation, PSMTI, Buddhayana Foundation, MBI Batam City and other participants.

Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation mentioned that since the baby has already in good hand, they will try to help on the donation. PSMTI will try to raise the fund as well within their internal contacts and network.

It was decided as well that Romi and Steven Japari to go to Singapore the next day to get the new update. A new bank account will be opened for this case. The cheque will only be valid if two from the three persons signed. Signatories are Steven Japari, Ven.Nyanya Karuno and Mr.Saufa (Public Relation from PSMTI, involved as personal not as representative).

Future plans were also discussed, if the donations received is more than what we need, a charity foundation will be built to help other children with the same condition.

The gathering was ended around 10 over pm Batam Time.

Wednesday, 10 August 2005

Early morning, around 8 am Batam Time, Steven Japari, Ven.Nyana Karuno and Mr.Saufa open a new account at Bank Central Asia, Batam Headbranch, Jodoh. Account to be opened under Steven Japari name.

Around noon Singapore Time, Steven and Romi have the chance to meet the doctor and asking all the update.

The baby was doing fine and the infection could be treated well. Overall the baby condition is good and still depends on the life support machine and under Neonatal Intensive Care Unit observation.

Since the baby depends on the life support so the overall estimated charges will be around SGD 30,000 – 35,000.

They need to rush back to Batam.

First news sent by using mailing list.

It was 8 pm Batam time when we gathered again. It was decided that there will be a charity committee to be held. The committee will be as follows:

Head of committee : Steven Japari (head of MBI Batam City)
Secretary : Fendi
Treasurer : Romi
Public Relation : Gimun Sulaiman

It was decided that by Saturday, the committee had to give a visit since it is the last day of the critical condition.

Thursday, 11 August 2005

The baby condition was reported in fairy good condition, the oxygen level had to be raised to 25%.

Friday, 12 August 2005

No condition could be obtained from hospital because the hospital would only update the condition to the baby’s parents.

Saturday. 13 August 2005

We reached Singapore about 12 pm local time. We have to take lunch first because we haven’t taken any breakfast that day.

About 1 pm we reached the hospital but we had no chance to meet the doctor, we gave the nurses the authority letter from the baby’s parents so we could get any information.

The baby condition was stable, and he looked so calm and so cute. If we did not pay attention on the stomach, then he would just looked like a normal baby.

We took several pictures. The nurse had given us all information that we need, the baby need to be given a special nutrition since they could not feed him milk. There will be another additional cost for this, but nothing that we could decide or did at that time. We knew that the medical action taken by hospital is correct and can safe the baby from starving.

It was reported as well that the baby had gases so they have to put a tube to let the gases out.

Overall the baby was in very good condition.

We went to the admission to ask for the charges details until 13 Aug 2005. The bill was SGD 10,000 over.

It was 7 pm when we returned to the hospital and for this time we had a chance to meet the pediatric. The doctor explained to us that the baby condition could be fully recovered in about 5 – 6 weeks time. Oh my god that was what in our mind at the first time, the first information we received was the baby will be fully recovered within a month. This meant there will be additional hospital charges and additional doctor fee need to be paid. The estimation has risen to about SGD 50,000.

If you divided 10,000 with 6 days exclude the doctor fee, then you will have the figure about SGD 1500 per day. Wow… if 6 weeks than we will need about SGD 60,000.

The nurse advised that she will call us up tomorrow (Sunday, 14 Aug) if the surgeon come.

That night, we just sat at the hospital, nothing that we can do. We only speak out our frustration and stress to some people there. We had the doubt that we could raise this sum of money in a very short time.

It was 9 pm over when Fendi and Wijianto showed up at the hospital, we had been waiting for them the whole evening at the hospital. We only could update them that the baby is okay and now the most to concern is the charges that we need to pay.

We just remembered that the baby’s permit in Singapore is only for 14 days, we had to ask for extension. But the admission staff could not give us more information, we had to contact the concierge the next day.

We spend a night at Singapore… bringing all our stress as the night gone by. Fendi and Wijianto slept at his brother’s place. Meanwhile we spend a night at nearest hotel with our own expense.

Sunday, 14 August 2005

It was 10 pm over when the nurse called us, we were in the middle of our breakfast. We ran to the MRT station and ran to the hospital once we reached the Orchad MRT station. Despite of all traffic signs, we just ran. We only know that the doctor could not wait us too long.

We met the pediatric again and he mentioned the overall condition was good and special nutrition had been given. We had to wait for the surgeon to know how the baby intestines condition.

We need to get the extension permit form from the concierge and get the letter from the doctor. Fendi’s sister will assist us to go the immigration office for the baby’s extension.

We sat in the hospital cafeteria for sometimes while waiting for Fendi’s sister to come.

Nothing more we can do, so we plan to return to Batam. On the way, we take our lunch, and hey… why don’t we buy a 4-D for this baby, who knows it will strike and the amount can be used to help him.

So far we didn’t know how much donation already received.

We reached Batam 5 pm Batam time and drove Wijianto back to his home and to update her wife on the baby’s condition.

In the night, we had a meeting with PSMTI. They will assist us to collect the donations.

Charity Board Committee

2005-08-09T16:33:00.000+07:00

Advisor Board : Ven. Nyana Karuno
Head of the Committee : Steven Japari
Secretary : Fendi
Treasurer : Romi
Public Relation : Gimun Sulaiman

In coordination with:
- Yayasan Buddhayana
- MBI Kota Batam
- PSMTI Batam
- Yayayan Budi Bakti Batam

Committee Account Number : 0611699530 Bank Central Asia, Batam Island, Jodoh Branch.
Committee Account Name : Steven Japari

Bodhi Virya's First Day

2005-08-09T03:10:00.000+07:00

This is the day where I was born to this world. I know there are lots of people out there who is expecting me and I cannot wait to give them my cute little smile and I want to cry out loud. I cannot wait to see how my parents looks like. Cannot wait to have my first milk. There are lot of things out there I need to know and I just can't wait.

The first thing that I want to do is to have a look at my mom's face and tell her that I love her and thank her for keeping me all safe for this 8 months! Wow.. only 8 months and I am ready to come out, or is this too soon? Will I be okay? Anyway.. I just cannot wait.

I know that my mom is very beautiful. She is a teacher and also a very good singer. In the sixth month, I know that she was singing a very beautiful song that touched every single heart in the auditorium. She was singing a praising song to the Lord Buddha. I know her pupils love her very much, they often asked how is my mom doing.

Now, I am ready to get out of this fluidity world, hey.. what is hanging on my stomach, nar.... I know I will be okay. I just need to help my mom to push me out... there.. I see the light.. I see so many people.

I am ready to give my loudest cry, but hey.. why every one is shocking and staring at me.. anything wrong with me?

Why suddenly the world seems so strange, not as beautiful as what I have imagined. I am trying to figure out which one is my dad... o.. there he is, the one with glasses, but why he look so shocked?

I feel so tired.... and the last thing I know is they are wrapping me with a nice and soft cloth ... but i feel pain ..........

I know that they are rushing for something, I feel like they are running, my stomach is getting hurt and hurt. I can't hold it. I feel a small pipe inside my nose, I just don't feel comfortable.

...............

I feel so tired... tired....