September 13, 2007
A Shot In The Arm!
Today, we received GREAT news. For many months, we've been awaiting a decision about our proposal to receive part-funding from our State government
The funding will be available for all surgery performed under our scheme.
It seems that the long wait may be nearing an end. Tomorrow, a team visits our unit to evaluate suitability for being approved to receive funding. If this happens quickly, we will be able to fund 30% more children - because the government subsidy will cover that much of the total cost of an operation.
While I often wish things like this would happen faster, it's truly a case of better late than never!
Technorati Tags:
heart kids blogathon, congenital heart disease, heart birth defects, Dr.Mani
September 11, 2007
Support the Heart Kids
On September 15th, in a very special event called the Heart Kids Blogathon, Dr.Mani is blogging non-stop for 24 hours to raise funds for 'heart kids'.
And this year, he's setting his sights high
Dr.Mani plans to raise $50,000 to fund lifesaving heart surgery for 17 children. But to make it happen, we need YOUR help!
Be a part of this great project, if you can. See how you can help - click here
Since 2003, this annual 24-hour non-stop blogging event has raised funds to sponsor heart surgery in 21 children from poor families in India. With their congenital heart defects corrected, these children will live longer... thanks to the blogging marathon.
Also, don't forget to drop by and encourage him on the big day! Make sure you visit the Heart Kids Blogathon blog on September 15th, 2007 - the URL is
Digg this post:
Digg the blogathon blog:
Technorati Tags:
heart kids blogathon, congenital heart disease, heart birth defects, Dr.Mani
September 09, 2007
Behind the Scenes of a Heart Kids Blogathon
Many have asked about what goes into an event like the Heart Kids Blogathon. What goes on behind the scenes? Here's the story
#1 - Find a reason for the blogathon
Sure, you could blog for cash to fix a leaking tap in your bathroom or to buy yourself a new iPod... but it helps if you have a reason others can identify with and support. The Heart Kids Blogathon is to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and generate funds to help sponsor life-saving heart surgery for children who cannot afford it.
#2 - Choose a theme or niche to blog about
With many of my blog readers being busy home business owners, often stressed out by juggling multiple tasks, I decided to focus this Heart Kids Blogathon on the topic of being happy, with the provocative title - How To Be Happy - All The Time. To select this topic, I surveyed some of my subscribers offering 3 alternatives - this was the most popular one!
#3 - Create your blog template
This is the hardest part for me, because I want the event to showcase the serious issue of Congenital Heart Defects and spend a lot of time fixing broken links on my website, placing links to all major sections of my CHD site, and this year, even doing a complete redesign for the Heart Kids Blogathon itself, with the help of two incredibly talented web designers.
#4 - Planning the content
I like offering value to readers who visit my blog during the event. So I don't do a random 'stream of consciousness' thing - instead, I plan out the content of the Heart Kids Blogathon well in advance, listing out areas and topics to cover, and even jotting down some anecdotes, experiences and useful things for home business owners.
#5 - Rest
A sleepless night BEFORE the event can wreak havoc. It happened in 2004 - not pleasant, I can tell you!
#6 - Snack up
My daughter LOVES this part of the Heart Kids Blogathon - the house is full of snacks to 'keep us awake'! We bought bags of chips and crisps, packs of biscuits, bottles of fruit juice, fruits and a lot more. Still, she's worried we don't have enough - and plans to make another foray to the supermarket later today!
#7 - Tell everyone about it
There's nothing worse than sitting up blogging all day and seeing just a handful of visitors reading your posts or encouraging you to keep going. So spread the word far and wide - it's all a part of my focus anyway, since the event is about raising awareness for Congenital Heart Defects.
There are many more bits and pieces, but these are the major ones you'll find helpful in case you're planning a blogging marathon yourself. And there's one last critical thing -
BELIEVE in what you do. It will keep you going.
Technorati Tags:
heart kids blogathon, congenital heart disease, heart birth defects, Dr.Mani
September 07, 2007
Join the MINI-Blogathon - 2007
What's the MINI-Blogathon?
It's a smaller version of my annual 24-hour day and night blogging marathon, the 'Heart Kids Blogathon' that I'm doing for the 5th consecutive year on September 15th.
Here's what you'll do -
- At any time during the 24-hour period of the Heart Kids Blogathon, you can join the fun.
- All you need is your own blog, and 4 hours of time to spare.
- You'll post a short note to your blog (on any topic of your choice) EVERY 30 MINUTES - and do it for 4 consecutive hours.
- And Start Making A Difference In The World...Today!"
What must you do to join the MINI-blogathon on September 15th, 2007 ?
#1 - Clear your calendar or re-arrange your schedule to keep 4 hours free on September 15th, 2007 - any time is fine.
#2 - Email me to confirm your participation - I'll need a few details like your name, email address, blog address (if you have one ready) and the proposed topic of the posts you'll publish during the MINI-blogathon.
Send your email to Dr.Mani at this email address:
I'll send you more details about the event and your copy of the e-booklet as soon as you register.
Looking forward to having fun during the Heart Kids Blogathon - and helping you with your own MINI-blogathon - on September 15th.
See you then.
Technorati Tags:
heart kids blogathon, congenital heart disease, heart birth defects, Dr.Mani