I want to share about a unique situation that came up in 48hourslogo Designer Hall this past summer. As I watched the events unfold, my heart was filled with compassion for the problem at hand, and joy for the reaction of our designers. In sharing this, I hope you will be encouraged just as I am.
The story is about one of our Logo Designers, Andriakew. Andri is a very friendly 25 year old, an avid movie lover, and a volunteer with Red Cross Indonesia. He has been part of 48hourslogo for over three years now. A post was started by Smith1979 that said:
“Hi everyone, please pray for @andriakew, who suffered a gallstone and must have immediate surgery. For those who have some money could you consider helping with the surgery cost, every prayer and helps is highly appreciated. Thank you very much!”
That was all it took, and designers began to pitch in with financial help, well wishes, and their prayers. Over the course of a week, more than $450 was raised and donated to help cover the cost of the surgery for Andri. More donations were sent outside of 48hourslogo. The immediate response from the community was very moving. “It’s nice to see that so many of us are willing to help each other out. Doesn’t matter the amount, it’s the good will that it carries that really helps the people hear and recover,” said the Chris, founder of 48hourslogo.
What we didn’t know was that during this time, Andri was in the hospital for consultation on the surgery. He received the amount for the surgery, and went home disheartened because he wasn’t sure he could afford it. Andri had decided to push through the pain and put off the surgery. When he logged on to our site, he became overwhelmed with what he saw. This is what he wrote:
“For all the designers I love, I am very surprised with your concerns for me. I cannot speak much besides I would like to thank you all profusely! My current condition has improved, but it is true about my gallstone and the need to perform surgery to remove it. With a happy heart and compassion I receive the donations from the Community, I will use these funds for treatment. Once again, I am very grateful for your prayers and support!”
I caught up with Andri post-surgery to get some more details on what he was going through. He shared with me that he had a very unhealthy lifestyle. He wasn’t sleeping on a regular schedule, not exercising, had poor eating habits, and had been feeling pain in his upper abdomen for a couple of years prior. When the pain would rise up, he would rest for a bit and it would go away. This past July it had become very unbearable, so he went into the hospital to find out what was going on. He was very surprised to learn that he had multiple large gallstones creating blockage and swelling in his liver.
Organs image courtesy of dream designs / freedigitalpics.com
His doctor advised immediate surgery due the the severity of the illness, and warned it could become dangerous if not treated in a timely manner. After learning the cost of the surgery, he decided it wouldn’t be possible now with what he had and left the hospital. He returned home, saw the response from the his fellow designers, and was able to schedule the surgery with the donations sent to him. Andri was very touched by the prayers and support. He says “it’s times like this that make our Design Community exceptional, how they compete against one another in contests every day, yet respond like family when serious needs like this come up.“
Post-surgery, the only pain he feels is from the itch of the surgical scar. He has greatly altered his lifestyle, now on a regular sleep schedule, eating fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, exercising regularly, and cutting out fatty foods. Designers also offered up advice, such as IMDB2012, who had gone through a similar experience. They encouraged Andri to go on walks every morning, and avoid spices and margarine.
Andri told me that he hopes others can learn from his experience so they won’t have to go through the pain and surgery he endured. He stressed the importance of taking care of ourselves, making changes today for a healthier lifestyle and eating habits. He reflects that “health is not attractive when we’re healthy, it’s interesting that it becomes everything when we’re sick.”
Runner image courtesy of Sula Nualpradid / freedigitapics.com
48hourslogo has been a part of many relief efforts for major tragedies for many years. This particular story does hit home because it’s a fellow designer that we work alongside. But I think it hits a spot in all of us, because it’s more individual in it’s nature. How well are we taking care of ourselves? Do we understand the small choice we make today can have major consequences later on?
I’m very glad to know that Andri is having a great recovery. I hope we all take the time to appreciate his story and consider it’s affects on our own lives.