Dear Friends,

Subject: BITSian in critical condition needs urgent help!

Sai Prasad Buddul (Comp Science, class of 1997) was injured in an automobile accident in Dallas on October 16 and is in critical condition. The accident, involving a truck and Prasad's car, caused major injuries to Prasad's spinal cord and brain.

Prasad, who was uninsured, graduated from Univ of North Texas (Denton) earlier this year and was looking for a job in the Dallas area. He worked with Nortel for over a year before returning to graduate school to complete his Masters.

Prasad has been in an unconscious state since the accident. He is on life support and needs emergency surgery so that he has a better chance to make a recovery. His condition is critical. The hospital authorities are not releasing detailed information to Prasad's friends because they are not authorized to do so.

Prasad's BITSian friends (Praveen Malraj and Appa Rao Karri) and former wingies are arranging for Prasad's immediate care. However, their resources are limited. Prasad's family (sister and mother) are awaiting visa approval in Chennai to travel to the US to make the decisions that need to be made. Doctors have indicated and friends feel that (considering Prasad's uninsured status in the US), it may be best if Prasad is transported to India for better care. The estimated cost of this is $30,000 - $50,000.

Praveen Malraj writes that Prasad moved his eyes some days ago - but hasn't moved them since. He thinks that it is best to do whatever we can and hope for the best.

If you wish to help (and no contribution is too small), please contact Praveen Malraj. Praveen may be able to answer your questions and channel your contributions. Praveen's coordinates are as follows -

E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 215 869 8007
Address: Praveen Malraj, 7575 Frankford Road, Apt 1623, Dallas, TX 75252.

Regards,
BITSAA
(BITS Alumni Association)