Donation to SLMHC Foundation honours late mother of Sioux Lookout resident

Tim Brody - Editor

A tribute to her late mother Usha Shah, Komal Vijay Shah held a “Shiro Abhyanga” Ayurvedic Head massage event at the Sioux Lookout Public Library on April 16, donating proceeds raised to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation. 
“As per Hinduism a.k.a Sanatan Dharma during the period of mourning people like to donate “To remember individual with love and affection, and as an expression of gratitude for them having been in our lives and favoured us and contributed to our growth and development,” Shah said.
“Back home in India, people do different ways of activities like chanting names of God (Bhagwan), Bhajans but being here in Sioux Lookout is challenging for some ritual activities. Therefore, I came up with new initiative by offering relaxation massage to people on my mother’s six months death anniversary and raised some funds for the hospital,” she added.
“My mother passed away on October 16, 2023 by advanced bile-duct cancer and she was my pillar support of my life. During the first year of mourning I decided to donate as much as I can, I started my donation 2024 journey with a few donations to Canadian Cancer Society, Church in Sioux Lookout, food bank, Jain Temple in Toronto and now I raised 150$ by doing Indian Aayurvedic style Head massage with almond oil at the public library to assist hospital for cancer department,” Shah said.
“The event was successful, and I offered eight spots during 5 to 7 p.m. on April 16th at the public library and all spots are gone in just couple of hours after posting on Facebook... I raised 150$ (15$ each person+ donations). Overall, the event was great experience for people in Sioux Lookout and to learn Indian culture a bit. My all clients gave me excellent positive feedback which encourages me to do the event again,” Shah commented. 
Asked about donating to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation, Shah said, “I never knew millions of people around the world were fighting the fatal disease like Cancer until I came to know my beloved mother had to face the same one day, after that many people here in Sioux Lookout gave donations for my mother’s treatment but somehow she couldn’t survive. Since then, I decided I will definitely do something for the cancer patients around the world and started reciprocating with my own community.”
Shah commented, “Thank you everyone for overwhelming responses. If you missed out or enjoy the service, please fill out the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KGCQLVH. This event was in tribute to my late mother (Usha Shah). If you are reading the article, make sure to pray for my mum and remember her on the six months in heaven! Thanks for support!” 
Melissa Slade, Donor Relations/Operations Coordinator, Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation, said of Shah’s donation, “It’s always a pleasure to shine a light on the various and extensive services that we provide here at Meno Ya Win.  Generosity from Komal in the form of a donation to honor her late mother is not only heartwarming but will bring additional comfort to those currently going through treatment here at SLMHC.”
The funds raised by Shah will be going towards the purchase of some supplies/pillows that are needed within the health centre’s Chemo unit.
“As always, donations are welcomed and so appreciated to continue being able to offer the state-of-the-art services that we do, within the unique and remote area that we live.  In addition to our wide array of current services, we are also in the midst of a campaign to successfully bring MRI services to Sioux Lookout.  Please contact the Foundation for more information,” Slade concluded.
Slade and the SLMHC Foundation can be reached by calling 807-737-7997 or by email at foundation@slmhc.on.ca.