DEAN FOUNDATION
We cater to that vulnerable, marginalised section of society that cannot speak or defend for itself - mainly the destitute, the homeless and afflicted women and children, those living below the poverty line will receive priority of admission and free treatment.
We care for those suffering from terminal irreversible advanced, incurable - both malignant and non-malignant - diseases like Cancer, AIDS, etc. in the city and surrounding districts of Chennai, the State of Tamil Nadu, India, with no access to Palliative Care.
Our Mission
"Instead of seeing the rug being pulled from under us, we can learn to dance on the shifting carpet" - Thomas Crum
DEAN Foundation was born out of a deep desire to make a difference in people's lives - especially those who need it most.
To care for the individual in pain, to try and be attentive to the body, to the family and to our patient's inner life.
Life's many losses, many deaths arouse man's deepest instincts to question why, to question the meaning of life, of suffering. It is the desire of the Trust to bring meaning into their meaninglessness, to help accept the inevitable, to help empower and to help understand.
We wish to change injustice, cure illness and help misfortune, and we also wish to learn to dance well on the shifting carpet, holding our patients' hands.
Our Visions
To create a robust environment that facilitates, nurtures and assists those with core competencies, in the provision of Hospice and Palliative Care services; to address unique challenges and opportunities; and to develop and sustain outstanding research and academic activity, political engagement and service delivery.
Our Goals
- To care for the elderly and those who are suffering from incurable, terminal, irreversible and advanced diseases like Cancer, Aids , Neurological conditions, end stage Kidney diseases and Diabetes, etc. irrespective of age, sex, religion and economic background
- Relief of Pain and Suffering
- Support for the family during illness and in their bereavement
- To assist in the search for Meaning
- To enhance the quality of Life
Our Values
- Person-centered care
- Compassion and professionalism
- Respect and Dignity
- Accountability and commitment
- Fiscal and Social Responsibility
- Equity, Diversity and Teamwork
HOW CAN YOU HELP
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers of all ages are invaluable to DEAN Foundation's Hospice & Palliative Care Centre. The time and unique talents they offer, add to the quality of life of our patients. Each volunteer receives extensive training whether you choose to work directly with patients and families or volunteer for the programme's many other needs.
01
PATIENT CARE
Provide support to family during acute or terminal phase of illness. Available to visit and maintain vigil with dying person if appropriate. Organize donation in kind like Food packets, clothes, medical accessories, etc. and distribute the same to patients Facilitate Support groups Make telephone calls or visit bereaved family members, write personalized bereavement notes, and assist with bereavement support groups.
02
ADMINISTRATION
Handle Phone calls Update registers Bulk mailing Actively partake in the activities / celebrations of the Trust Co-ordinating with other Volunteers and handle their Induction Programme. Networking with other NGOs, Doctors, Educational Institutions and corresponding regularly Maintaining Customer Data Base for Research purposes. Maintaining the Website. Bringing out Newsletters / Write Articles. Improve and Increase Patient Referrals
03
CREATING AWARENESS
Create awareness about helping those facing end-of- life integrated within schools, workplaces, faith based organizations, and other community formal and informal gatherings.
04
FUNDRAISING
Keep Collection Boxes in strategic places send proposals, Letters, emails, make CD presentations to prospective donors Organize Events like First Day First Show, an evening with a Film Star, a Musical, etc. Liaison with the Media Creating Awareness on Philosophy of Hospice and Palliative Care Talk to School Children
Dear Deepa, It was a moving experience to be with you and your team and visit one of your patients Shyam. I hope you get all the moral and material support you deserve in your remarkable endeavour.
by Anital Pratap - Nov 6,2001
It felt wonderful being with the Dean foundation. This evening when it is celebrating the anniversary of excellent service for the terminally ill patient and their families. Very good work indeed.
by L.K.Tripathy - IAS
A very enriching expeience. It was a rare occasion when we could share moments with people who had gone through devastating experience similar to ours, come out of the trauma and join together in remembrance. It was heartening to know that we were not alone in trying to do our bit in supporting your very noble cause. Keep it up! You can count on our support!
by P.S.Anil kumar
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
While we have constituted a charitable trust, the principles of professional management remain uppermost in our minds. Therefore, a two-tier system of management and consultancy has been chosen for the Foundation's activities. The 3-member Board of Trustees represents a mix of medical and managerial expertise to oversee the activities of the Foundation. In addition to this, we have constituted a Technical Advisory Committee comprising of eminent specialists from different medical, paramedical and professional streams of work. The Committee will provide key technical inputs as and when required, contributing to the progress of Palliative Care and DEAN Foundation.
MRS. DEEPA MUTHAIYA
Managing Trustee
MPhil Degree in Communication and Journalism
Mrs. Deepa assists in designing new and effective communication strategies to highlight Palliative Care as a basic human right and the need for including it in the Rural Health Care system.
Using mass media, she draws attention to and prevention programmes in Cancer, AIDS, Diabetes, etc., and influence public opinion in correcting current perceptions on Palliative Care.
She develops and directs Palliative Care programmes especially the importance of the management of symptoms and psychosocial / spiritual / ethical dimensions of advanced diseases.
She also spearheads activities to work with other NGOs nationally and internationally to promote policies and research. Fundraising, staff training and mentoring are also part of her many tasks.
DR. RAVI SUNDER GEORGE
Trustee
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
Dr. Ravi brings his vast experience in the field of research and teaching to the operations of the DEAN Foundation continuously helping to innovate and find newer methods of creating awareness regarding Palliative Care.
His travel and exposure to various foreign universities is also of great help in keeping abreast of new procedures and techniques emerging in the field of Palliative care.
His association with the DEAN Foundation lends it an air of credibility within the scientific community due to his numerous publications within India and abroad.
MR. VIKRAM H. KALKURA
Trustee
Freelance Computer Professional and Management Consultant
Mr. Vikram is well versed in software development and has worked with clients like McAfee, Symantec, Amazon and Microsoft.
As an Operations Manager, he is highly skilled in people management.
He has been working with US, UK and Dubai, with employees reporting to him from these countries.
He has has experience in running the family business of a pharmaceutical company and is able to advise the organization in related areas.