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Saving Hollis HawthorneOn 25th Feb. 2009 I was traveling from Mayiladuthurai to Chidambaram. Our busstopped on Kollidam bridge. I looked out to see why we have stopped. I could see apair of legs some 30 feet in front of our bus and a few people standing around theaccident spot. I rushed there and I saw a white male doing CPR to the victim, awhite girl. In the middle of the road I saw a motorcycle lying down and a helmetwas beside it in a pool of blood. The right ear of the girl was torn nearly intotwo.I asked the man if they need water to drink. "No, She will choke", he said.Immediately I dialed 108 to call the ambulance. I was told the ambulance servicewas not available at that place, instead they noted my mobile number. They calledme again and said the police station nearby was alerted and they will come forhelp.Time was running out. Mr Hariharan, an MBA student of Sastra University came tohelp along with a few local people. We searched for a vehicle. It was like atypical Tamil movie. I ran to the vehicles standing there and was literallybegging for help to each and every vehicle driver. Almost all were withpassengers. I even requested the driver of a goods carrier vehicle TATA Ace, forit was empty, to drop the victim in the near by hospital. I got only negativeanswers. Anger welled inside me as I looked at these callous people. Then Iapproached a Tempo Traveler with foreign visitors and explained the situation.Fortunately they came forward to help us and we lifted the girl and placed herinside the vehicle and we rushed to the nearby hospital.The doctor asked us to rush to Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai Universityat Chidambaram a place nearly 15 kilometers from there. He administered aninjection and checked her. I was having only Rs. 200 and I gave Rs. 125 for themedicine. The doctor urged us to get a car to move the girl to AnnamalaiUniversity, my place of work. A local person helped me an we went to the taxistand to get a taxi, an Ambassador car.I told the driver that I have only fifty rupees in my pocket and I promised himthat I will pay him after reaching Chidambaram taking cash from ATM.He asked if I am a relative to the victim. I said, No. And urged him not to worryabout police case etc. Fortunately he came foreward to take us. The cab driver Mr.Ramesh and I went to the hospital and lifted the girl to the car. Both theforeigners were on the back seat while Hariharan and I seated in the front.Thanking the local people for their help we left.On reaching the accident spot we stopped to get the baggage of the two. We putevery thing in the back and rushed to Annamalai University. We got introduced toeach other. His name was Harrison and girl was Hollis. They were fromSanfrancisco, USA.Harrison was pretty much shaken by the unfortunate accident. And because of CPRHollis started to breath on her own.I called my professor Dr. J. Vasanthakumar and asked his help. Immediately hesend two people to the hospital to help us. The Sub Inspector called me and askedour whereabouts. I replied that we are on the way to Medical college and heinformed me that he will also come to Chidambaram for enquiry.We went to the casuality ward and the doctors took over. The Sub Inspector camethere within a few minutes. I borrowed Rs. 1000 from my teacher Dr. P. Tholkappianto settle the taxi. To my pleasant surprise the cab driver
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monkeybrains

thank you, sabavani, for helping Harrison and Hollis! you are a reminder that the world does have good people in it. your story has given me hope, and a renewed sense of faith in the basic goodness of humans. again, i can't thank you enough for going out of your way to help my friends.

reply03 / 26 / 2009
estes88

Hellow , My name is John Douglas. On March 8, 2009 I was recovering from hip resurfacing surgery at Apollo specialty hospital in Chenni India. Reading the daily paper I discoverd the terrible misfortune of Miss Hollis Hawthorne. I was immediately brought to prayre to the most high Jesus Christ, for her full healing. I had neaver heard of Miss Hollis or bike dancing, yet I am compelled in spirit to pray daily in faith for her full recovery . I firmly believe in spirit that the lord had a very specific reason for sparing her life, as well as for her complete healing, nothing is beyond the king of kings. John Douglas

reply03 / 26 / 2009
astaunch

Thank you so much for doing what you could for Hollis and Harrison. I too have asked others for help in an emergency and have been shocked by those who just cannot or will not help. But there are others such as yourself who see something in front of them and react. Their mind starts to process it, they look at what needs to be done, and they do it. All that matters is that someone does what they are able. I'm glad to know that there are still people in the world that will do what they can for a stranger, because we are all brothers and sisters on this planet. Your generosity is a great gift. Please also convey my gratitude to anyone else who helped. Much love to your and your family. Thank you for your prayers! -Austin Friend of Hollis

reply03 / 20 / 2009
Holli's cousin

sabavani.... could you please email me at jilllyle@hughes.net? I have several family members who would like to contact you and personally thank you for your role in saving Holli. Thanks

reply03 / 19 / 2009
Amber Fire

Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us. I have known Hollis for years. I am so happy to learn of your support, of your facilitation of help, & knowing other locals helped in various ways as well. That is truly heartwarming to know- Thank You!! All of her friends wish you & your family well & send love. Here is the blog of her daily medical updates: http://helpholligethome.blogspot.com/ Light, Love & Thanks, Amber

reply03 / 19 / 2009
lindylula

Hello, I wanted you to know that Hollis is beginning to make verbal noises. Hollis is a friend of mine and she would not be where she is now without your help. You have our undying gratitude. I'm not sure if you've been given the link but here is a blog with information about her recovery. http://friendsofhollis.blogspot.com/ Much Love, Linda Lagunas

reply03 / 18 / 2009
Holli's cousin

sabavani.... I am Holli's cousin in the United States. Words will never be able to express my family's gratitude to you and all of the other "angels" that were there to take care of our Holli that day. She is now at Stanford hospital and doing well. She is still in a coma but shows signs of improvement every day. We will forever be in your debt. Jill Lyle

reply03 / 18 / 2009
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