A small group of driven and entrepreneurial leaders step up to galvanize the community and deliver a timely service to those impacted by Covid-19.
“We are in this together” is something we hear a lot these days. It is indeed a great expression and state of mind. But the impact is felt and difference is made when this good intention is converted into action. The transition from intention to action happened quickly for Sonalika Ahuja and Dr. Sunita Satwani. Sympathizing with those under stress or suffering and even taking it to the next level of empathy was not enough for them. It was all about action. And that is how it all started. The unending visuals on television, the barrage of news and conversations, and seeing close friends and family directly affected stirred something in them to act. And NYuplift happened!
Since its launch, NYuplift has received tremendous response from the community. More importantly it has been appreciated by those being supported by the efforts. NYuplift is currently providing meals to frontline workers. It started with one hospital – New York Presbyterian at Columbia University. But it is now spreading to many others in the area. These include The New York Methodist Hospital and The Brooklyn Hospital. “Being an action-oriented person I wanted to do something. I also knew deep within that those in my network and community will back me fully,” says Sonalika Ahuja about the motivation to launch NYuplift. An entrepreneur herself, galvanizing the community to rally around an issue is something that comes naturally to her.
RELATED: American Bazaar’s Covid-19 coverage
For Dr. Sunita Satwani, it hit home directly as she and her husband Dr. Prakash Satwani both contracted the virus in the course of their work. Sunita is a MD in Pediatrics, while Prakash is an Associate Professor at Columbia University Medical Center and a Pediatric Oncologist. “After catching Covid I realized that I could have never done it without support of family and friends. It made me realize the importance of giving and supporting each other in the community. Of course being a physician I felt it was our frontline heroes who need our love and support the most as they are working day and night to fight Covid”, says Sunita. She also saw the burnout among the medical fraternity and realized that the appreciation and affection from the community goes a long way in keeping the spirits high.
Added Sonalika, “There is an additional positive impact here, not by chance but by design.” She is talking about generating revenues for restaurants so that restaurant workers can get paid. “This is a moment for our community to come together and join hands. People are hurting out there and those who have the opportunity to play to their strengths and provide support must rise now,” said Roni Mazumdar, Founder & CEO popular NYC restaurants Adda & Rahi. Roni believes that by being together the community can emerge stronger. NYuplift has teamed up with Roni’s restaurants to ensure hot meals. The revenue generated has helped keep some of the restaurant workers financially stable.
Dr. Mukul Arya, presently the Director of Advanced Endoscopy in the department of Gastroenterology at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital [NYPBM] and someone who has been at the forefront of the containment effort, said, “Food is amazing. Thank you Adda & NYuplift for remembering the ICU staff at NYPBM.”
Ana Furnari, at New York-Presbyterian, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital was full of praise saying, “Thank you sooo much for arranging the delicious food! It even came earlier than expected! Our ICU staff appreciated it. Thank you for being awesome!” Similar sentiments were expressed by nurses at the other hospitals as well.
Successful entrepreneurs have joined hands with the effort. This includes Sam Jain, Founder of CheapOAir and FarePortal, who along with his wife Vera Jain, has lent his support to the cause. “The frontline health workers in New York area hospitals, elsewhere in the US and around the world are risking their own lives every day to save lives. A big salute to all of them. They are our heroes,” said Sam Jain, lauding the timely efforts of NYuplift.
“It is overwhelming to see the energy and positivity in the community” said Sonalika adding, “It is also a reality that many in our community are on the frontline of battling COVID-19 and everyone is seeing how family members and friends are getting affected.” Sunita added,”It has been great to be connected with so many thoughtful people who are giving spontaneously.”
New dimensions are getting added to the initiative based on the needs out there. This includes providing meals to the homeless, donating masks to hospitals among other things. Buoyed by the support and enthusiasm, Sonalika and Sunita are determined to keep the momentum going as long as the need is out there.