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“Seva has given so much help to so many thousands of people for so many years — such a wonderful example of love in action.”
Bonnie Raitt
Singer / Songwriter
"For nearly 40 years Seva has made an extraordinary contribution to the world — not only through their
international programs, but here in some of the most impoverished communities in North America, on Native American reservations. Thank you Seva."
Jackson Browne
Singer / Songwriter
"Seva takes the impulse towards generosity and turns it into compassionate action that helps people in real need. I honor my friends and relations by giving to Seva in their name — the entire world benefits. I hope you'll join me."
Peter Coyote
Actor / Writer
"Compassion and caring for people in need - that's simply a moral necessity. But it's not
always easy to do. Seva makes it easy. They know how to put your donations to work in ways that truly benefit people."
Joan Baez
Singer / Humanitarian Activist
"When we met the folks at Seva, we knew we were among kindred spirits, joining to bring people together in service to others. Whether preventing blindness in Nepal, assisting native peoples in Guatemala and Mexico, or helping our own Native Americans, Seva has been there to help alleviate suffering and improve people's lives. Long may they rock!"
Phil Lesh
The Grateful Dead
"Seva's efforts create hope and happiness worldwide for so many people in difficult conditions. I've always been amazed and cheered by their good works and I've been very happy to help them in their fundraising efforts."
Bruce Hornsby
Singer / Songwriter
“I admire Seva's spirit of innovation. Seva is constantly looking for new ideas that can benefit the world, especially the poor, and they aren't afraid to try something that no one has ever tried before."
Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Prize Winner / Seva Partner / Founding Chairman of Grameen Health Services
“I congratulate Seva Foundation for the magnificent work they continue to do."
Odetta
Legendary Folk Singer
“Seva has done an incredible job all over the world helping people who really need it. I am proud to be one of the many who followed Wavy and his friends down this particular yellow brick road.”
David Crosby
Singer / Songwriter
“Such dedication to others — how could you not love Seva and what they accomplish? Well done!”
Graham Nash
Singer / Songwriter
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Seva donor Tom Murphy visited Seva's programs on three different occasions and walked away more committed than ever.
I visited Cambodia for the first time as a Seva donor in March 2011. Upon arriving in Cambodia, I discovered a welcoming culture. I met up with the Seva Cambodia staff in Battambang, in the northwest corner of Cambodia, and over the next week toured several clinics – both private and state run. It was hard not to be impressed with the efficiency by which eye surgeries were handled. Standards were high, and the staff managed patients effectively and humanely.
This was no small task, as some patients were quite elderly – one told me that she was 91- and over half were female. Patients sat on mats on the floor while they waited their turn for surgery. I was struck by the direct and evident relationship between donated monies and eye care procedures. Overhead in Cambodia was quite low, and the better part of Seva funds went directly to surgeries.
Two years later, in June, 2013, I returned to the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap. Consistent with my impressions from 2011, standards were excellent, and the surgery that I witnessed went smoothly - the only "event" post-surgery was the staff reviving me after a little "surgical room dizziness." I am happy to report that my care was superb, and that I have made a full recovery, with great thanks to the 5 year old surgical patient who reassured me from an adjoining gurney!
In December 2013, I had the opportunity to visit Seva's program in Nepal. Beyond the cultural intoxication of Kathmandu, we headed, by prop plane and small mountain roads, to the eastern region of the "hilly" country, where we attended two eye camps, first in Khandbari and then in Dhankuta.
Tom
has decided to include Seva in his Estate Planning. He is comforted to
know that he will continue to support the organization for years to come.
"I decided recently to include Seva in my estate planning.
It is reassuring to know that, in the future, my estate may continue
(and perhaps augment) the efforts towards blindness eradication. Because
blindness is a systemic condition, one that affects profoundly the
entire person, it ranks with hunger as one of the most serious of
challenges for the world philanthropic community. Unlike hunger,
however, blindness eradication can be as simple as a $50 cataract
surgery, performed in 15 minutes – with profound and immediate results."- Thomas K. Murphy
Learn more about Planned Giving.
"I decided recently to include Seva in my estate planning.
It is reassuring to know that, in the future, my estate may continue
(and perhaps augment) the efforts towards blindness eradication. Because
blindness is a systemic condition, one that affects profoundly the
entire person, it ranks with hunger as one of the most serious of
challenges for the world philanthropic community. Unlike hunger,
however, blindness eradication can be as simple as a $50 cataract
surgery, performed in 15 minutes – with profound and immediate results."- Thomas K. MurphyLearn more about Planned Giving.
At Khandbari, villagers from all around descended on the camp. Some prospective patients had walked for 3-4 days, sometimes barefoot. One man had carried a relative on his back. Eye screenings were performed on the street, as villagers lined up to read the vision chart. Some received prescriptions for eyeglasses, others were prepped for surgery. Over two days time one surgeon performed over 120 cataract surgeries. The surgical team was nothing less than astonishing, prepping patients, administering anesthesia, cleaning surgical instruments and keeping the line moving throughout the day.
The most miraculous aspects of my visit came the day after surgery. A small portion of the patients arriving in Khandbari were bilaterally blind (blind from cataract in both eyes). I was reminded on this day why I became involved with Seva in the first place. There is nothing that compares to the first moments of watching a totally blind patient have his or her bandage removed and their sight restored. To witness their first moments of vision, the return to individual autonomy, along with the joy and gratitude of their family members is both a most powerful and unforgettable experience.
The next day, we were off in the van to the eye camp in Dhankuta, where we experienced again the miraculous scenario of sight restoration along with the appreciative smiles, flowers and blessings from dozens of grateful patients and their relatives.
