‘Shining the Light of Hope – The Healing Touch’, a book by TANKER Foundation inspired by Founder-Trustee, Dr Georgi Abraham, was released by Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, at a glittering function Saturday, November 4, 2023.

Dr. Georgi Abraham has inspired TANKER patients and staff, who are called Angels on Earth by Managing-Trustee, Mrs. Latha A. Kumaraswami, to write their stories.

The patients narrated how they overcame their battle with kidney disease, and the staff talked about their long stint with TANKER Foundation.

This book, in English and Tamil, is a first-of-its-kind and it was a big honour for the patients, staff and everyone at TANKER Foundation for the presence and participation of Dr. Radhakrishnan.

Speaking in English and Tamil, Dr. Radhakrishnan said the book would be a promotive book along with being a preventive one and encourage and give hope to people with kidney disease.

On reading this book, he said he hoped people would be more careful with their follow-up, compliance and discipline and learn from the patient stories. More than data from outside, this book would help in giving people courage and also information about the disease.

He said long after people were gone, this book would be there for future generations to learn from. The Commissioner was appreciative that the book was being published in Tamil and English.

He said he was happy to have been associated with TANKER Foundation over the years.

Dr. Georgi Abraham said the book was a testimony to the fortitude and courage of patients and staff, and that their stories needed to be told.

Mrs. Latha Kumaraswami said TANKER Foundation has done almost 6.16 lakh dialysis through it 14 dialysis units and was now helping 875 patients.

Awareness programmes have been done for almost 2 lakh people and screening camps for 40,549 people for early detection of kidney disease. She thanked all the patients, staff, media and Mrs. Nina Reddy.

Senior journalist, Mr. Ananthakrishnan, and TANKER Foundation Advisory Member, Ms. Rohini Menon, participated.

The patient-writers and long-time staff were introduced to the audience and honoured by Dr. Radhakrishnan.