where Thoms, the Carmans evening, and the Chandys returned and other notable CMC family to New York the next morning. members attended. On their final night in New York, On to Kansas City, KS, where Dr. Jamshed Bharucha, President of Dr. Mani Mani (’55) and his wife The Cooper Union and friend of Rebekah (both Honorary Directors CMC, hosted an elegant dinner at of the VCMCF Board) hosted the his historic residence. Several Anita Sharan Jesudass (CON ‘85), Valsa Kuruvila Chandys to a full agenda of VCMCF Board members, donors, (CON ‘76) and Margaret Kumar (‘67 and VCMCF meetings with our many partners at and Scudder family members were in Board Member) the University of Kansas Medical attendance. Jamshed offered a strong endorsement of CMC; Anish Mathai introduced Center. A traditional Texas BBQ meal was held at Dr. Mani’s home with daughter Rachel Mani, as well Dr. Sunil, who spoke about his vision for CMC. Many as Drs. Rachel and George Cherian (both ’61). insightful questions were asked, even as the night grew long. It was a very special evening, one that fostered new The following day Dr. Sunil gave Grand Rounds, completed a hectic day and deepening relationships. of meetings, and Kate Guenther accompanied Drs. Sunil and Gigi enjoyed a reception and to Cincinnati for a day with VCMCF Board member dinner with Hospital Dr. Mark Steinhoff at the Children’s Hospital there. Mark and his spouse Rev. Liz Senft hosted a dinner with leadership. the Hospital Director Dr. Arnold Strauss and his wife, Finally…Oklahoma City Pat. Dr. Sunil also spent a morning at the hospital and the GOTC! with Dr. Steinhoff, Wonderful planning Dr. Strauss and by the GOTC committee others. There are made this a fabulous Dr. & Mrs. John Carman (left) travelled from many current Maine to enjoy Dr. Honorine’s party (with few days. On Friday and and prospective Geeta Oommen and her son Chacko). Saturday mornings CME relationships with Cincinnati-particularly courses were offered and Friday afternoon Drs. Sunil and Gigi joined the group that visited the very moving in the area of training pediatric sub-specialists Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Friday evening Dr. Chandy presented his vision for for service in Vellore. Drs. Gigi & Sunil Chandy (l) with CMC to an appreciative audience and he garnered a A brief stop was Dr. & Mrs. Mani Mani (‘55). very positive response. He made a point of saying how made in St. Louis important American donors are and will be to CMC’s to visit with Dr. Nesa Joseph. Dr. Joseph and his sustained leadership; he also expressed his gratitude family, along with Dr. Elizabeth George, VP of for the partnership that CMC enjoys with the the Deaconess Foundation, enjoyed dinner with VCMC Foundation. Drs. Sunil & Gigi, and Kate Guenther. VCMC Foundation President Kate Guenther had Kate delighted in her visits with special CMC the opportunity to speak on Saturday and she offered supporters including Mrs. Polly Coxe, the widow of Dr. Bill Coxe, a pediatric neurosurgeon who spent some a thorough and transparent look at the Foundation’s work and finances over the last 5 years, including time at CMC in 1965; Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Duerksen who are involved with both CMC and CMC Ludhiana; details of the nearly $5 million that has been given to and with Dr. Norman Thoms, his wife Anna, and two CMC through the VCMC Foundation in that timeframe. She thanked alumni of CMC who support CMC through of their daughters. Dr. Thoms served lunch and shared the Foundation. stories about days at CMC and at the Kodai School
V I S I T U S T O D AY AT V E L L O R E C M C . O R G 3