Sahaita is the realization of a childhood dream – to make a difference in someone’s life. This dream, nurtured by my parents and grandparents, led me to become a physician.

In 1991 my wife and I adopted our daughter, Samreen, who changed our lives. People commend us for the good deed, but I think we owe it to her for choosing us with a smile and giving us the honor to make a difference in her life. We went on to adopt our son, Ashvin, in 1995 and these two children have given us so much love, affection, and motivation; there are not enough words to describe the gratitude and elation that we feel each day.

Fast forward to the 2004 tsunami that shook the Indian Ocean. It was almost unbearable to watch the waves of death and destruction, yielding cries of innocent people. The grief stricken faces of children, looking for someone’s hand to hold, moved me beyond description. My children’s desire to do something more (than donating) prompted me to host a fundraiser that took place in January 2005. The encouragement from family and friends inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and publicly ask for donations.

In February of that same year, I learned of a young girl in India who needed a renal (kidney) transplant for survival. Her mother had offered to donate her kidney but the family still needed funds to pursue the surgery and, later, the recovery process. I took up this challenge and raised enough funds for the transplant and some post-op treatment. My wife suggested that I put this passion and experience to work and start a charity organization.

The impetus and ongoing desire to help others outside of my patient load is what started Sahaita Inc. We began with just family and friends and have now grown support from businesses and public figures worldwide. Supporters like you allow us to expand and scale our projects so that we can bring a smile to the face of a child or an elder, waiting for someone to reach out with their helping hand. Will you lend your helping hand today?

Harkesh Singh Sandhu M.D.