Inaugural Edison to India 5K Dash-or-Dally : A Day of Community, Celebration, and Impact
The Vellore CMC Foundation’s inaugural 5K walk/run event – the Edison to India 5K Dash-or-Dally – brought together the Edison community in a truly memorable way. On a bright and sunny morning on the grounds of New Dover United Methodist Church in Edison, New Jersey, 124 runners and walkers gathered with excitement and energy, transforming this first-year event into a true celebration of health, unity, and shared purpose.
Community Leaders and Local Pride
We were honored to welcome Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, who offered words of encouragement, and Edison Chamber of Commerce President Joe Coyle, who joined in support of this charitable cause. Their presence, along with the enthusiastic participation of families, neighbors, and friends, reflected the very heart of Edison.
Inspiring Participation
Participants ranged in age from 8 to 82, embodying inclusiveness and encouragement at every stride. Among the standouts were 37-year-old Korbone Fong, an avid runner who spends his weekends chasing 5Ks, and who claimed first place in the race. Brandon from sponsor Ray Catena Auto Group followed close behind, earning second place, while 82-year-old Judy inspired everyone by proudly crossing the
Dash-or-Dally finish line with her walker. These moments captured the spirit of perseverance and community that defined the day.
Powered by Local Support
The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and twenty-one Edison-area businesses, whose sponsorship and support helped raise an impressive $50,000 for the Vellore CMC Foundation. These funds will advance access to quality healthcare for underserved communities in India through the vital work of CMC Vellore.
We are thankful for the generosity and meaningful collaboration provided by Pastor Chuck Coblentz and the members of the New Dover United Methodist Church. The event could not have taken place without their tireless efforts and steadfast support.
Reflections on the CMC Consultation 2025 Conclave
Read more on Page 3.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ENDOF-YEAR GIVING CAMPAIGN
As we reflect on the past few months, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible progress made possible by your steadfast support.
To help us continue this work, please consider making a year-end contribution to support CMC’s mission and future impact.
From all of us at the Foundation, we wish you and your family a Happy and Blessed Holiday Season!
SAVE THE DATE
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
FOR OUR 2026 SPRING GALA "Bridges of Compassion: A Celebration of Global Giving for Children's Health"
HONORING
Ajit Isaac, Founder and Chairman, Quess Corp & The Ajit Isaac Foundation
VENUE
Chelsea Piers – Pier 59 in New York City
Dear Friends and Supporters of CMC Vellore,
This season has been marked by meaningful milestones, heartfelt celebrations, and a renewed commitment to advancing CMC Vellore’s efforts in healthcare, research, and education for India and beyond.
In June, we were honored to announce the winners of the 2025 Excellence in Service, Research, and Education (EISRE) Award at the GOTC, which is the Annual CMC Reunion in North America. On this occasion, we recognized three distinguished CMC Vellore alumni whose dedication and impact continue to inspire us all and reflect the legacy of excellence that defines our community.
We also made history with the launch of the "Edison to India 5K Dashor-Dally" in Edison, New Jersey. This energizing event brought together community members and raised over $50,000 to support vital healthcare initiatives for underserved populations in South India. The enthusiasm and generosity of participants and donors made it a resounding success—and we look forward to making it an annual tradition.
In collaboration with CMC Vellore, we proudly hosted the 14th Annual Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration in Vellore, honoring Dr. Ravi Kannan for his transformative work in cancer care in rural Assam—a testament to compassion, innovation, and perseverance in the face of daunting challenges.
In September, I had the pleasure of attending CMC’s Consultation 2025 Conclave in Vellore with the Foundation's Chair, Dr. Raj Narayan. Healthcare and business leaders from around the world gathered to reimagine CMC’s approach to healthcare for the decade ahead—an inspiring dialogue that reaffirmed our shared commitment to innovation and equity.
Each of these achievements reflects your belief in our mission. Your support empowers us to build bridges between communities, expand access to care, and celebrate the changemakers who make it all possible.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. We hope you enjoy reading more about these inspiring moments in the pages ahead.
With heartfelt appreciation,
John A. Riehl
Reflections on the CMC Consultation 2025 Conclave
By Dr. Raj K. Narayan, MD, FACS, FAANS (Batch 1969), Chair, Board of Directors, Vellore CMC Foundation
The past few months have been a time of reflection and renewal for all of us connected to CMC. This September, John Riehl and I had the privilege of attending Consultation 2025 in Vellore—a once-in-a-decade conclave that brought together over 3,000 participants across all levels of CMC’s vast community to chart the course for the next ten years.
The week-long Consultation (September 21–25) was far more than a planning exercise. It was an opportunity to pause, reimagine, and reaffirm the values that define CMC: service with compassion and excellence.
Reaffirming CMC’s Calling
The sessions reminded us that CMC is called to embody faith in action. From its very inception, CMC has resisted the commercialization of medicine, focusing instead on patient-centered, ethical care. Many participants urged CMC not to change their long-standing policy of not incentivizing doctors based on “productivity”. They believe that this is what sets CMC apart from the rest.
Themes for the Decade Ahead
Over five days, the Consultation explored 18 domains, from theology and education to finance, infrastructure, and governance.
On day 3, John Riehl presented during the Community Impact Domain, emphasizing the Foundation’s role in connecting CMC with supporters and alumni worldwide.
Growth and Gratitude
Today, CMC’s presence spans multiple campuses and more than 4,000 beds—a testament to its growth and
enduring relevance. The new Ranipet Campus continues to flourish, with a new Children’s Hospital funded by Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial Holdings and the Ajit Isaac Foundation set for completion in the 4th quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, the Chittoor Campus is expanding through another very generous ₹500 crore contribution from the Azim Premji Foundation, inspired by the selfless service of CMC graduates in remote parts of the country during the COVID pandemic.
CMC – The Ultimate Teaching Institution
We remain grateful for the remarkable education that each of us has received at our alma mater. Despite being ranked as one of the top medical schools in the country, CMC provides education at virtually no cost to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals – very different from most other institutions in India. With my recent visit to Vellore, I was again reminded of what a very special place it was and remains to this day. The people, the place and the institution will always be a vital part of who we are.
The inagural Edison to India 5K Dash-or-Dally was more than just a race—it was a celebration of partnership, purpose, and the shared commitment to building a healthier tomorrow.
Highlighting the 2025 EISRE Award Recipients
TheExcellence in Service, Research, and Education (EISRE) Award, introduced in 2023, recognizes CMC alumni living in North America— both undergraduate and postgraduate—who exemplify the College’s mission of “seeking to give witness to the healing ministry of Christ through excellence in education, service, and research”. The award celebrates alumni whose careers reflect CMC’s enduring values through their leadership, scholarship, and service.
The 2025 honorees were recognized during North America’s CMC Alumni Reunion, GOTC, on June 20th in Dallas, Texas. This year marks a particularly meaningful milestone, as all three recipients are women whose contributions across medicine, nursing, and allied health have made a global impact.
DR. HONORINE WARD – EISRE AWARD IN MEDICINE
Professor of Medicine at Tufts University, Dr. Ward is a globally recognized expert in infectious diseases and a devoted CMC alumna (Batch of 1969). Her groundbreaking research on intestinal parasites has influenced public health worldwide. As a longtime leader and former Chair of the Vellore CMC Foundation Board, she has strengthened international partnerships that continue to benefit CMC and its extended community.
DR. KAMALINI KUMAR – EISRE AWARD IN NURSING
A graduate of CMC’s College of Nursing, Dr. Kumar’s career spans nearly five decades and three continents. She has transformed nursing education and practice by integrating spiritual care as an essential component of healing. Her dedication to mentorship, faith, and global service continues to inspire nurses and healthcare professionals around the world.
DR. PREETHY SAMUEL – EISRE AWARD IN ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
An alumna of CMC’s BOT Class of 1998, Dr. Samuel is an Associate Professor at Wayne State University and a global advocate for disability inclusion and family-centered care. Her research on Family Quality of Life, along with her mentoring of future clinicians, exemplifies CMC’s mission in both action and spirit.
Through their achievements, Drs. Ward, Kumar, and Samuel continue to bring honor to their alma mater and advance the healing mission of CMC on a global scale. Their recognition as EISRE awardees underscores the lasting impact that CMC alumni have in their communities and around the world.
Empowering Women, Saving Lives: CMC’s New Cervical Cancer Screening Program
CMC is launching a life-saving cervical cancer screening program in the rural K.V. Kuppam Block on the outskirts of Vellore, aiming to reach 15,500 women with early detection and treatment. This nurseled, community-driven initiative can prevent and treat cervical cancer in underserved communities. The Vellore CMC Foundation is raising $300,000 to make this life-saving initiative a reality. With nearly $140,000 already secured, your support can help bring this program to the women who need it most.
Join us in empowering women and saving lives—contribute today: www.vellorecmc.org/end-cervical-cancer
The 14th Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration: Dr. Ravi Kannan on Compassion and Relevance in Care
OnSeptember 24, 2025, CMC Vellore and the Foundation were honored to welcome Dr. Ravi Kannan, Director of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in Silchar, Assam, as the speaker for the 14th Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration. The annual event celebrates Dr. Ida Scudder’s legacy of compassion and CMC’s continuing mission to serve the underserved.
A distinguished oncologist, Dr. Kannan transformed cancer care in one of India’s least-served regions. Formerly Head of Surgical Oncology at Chennai’s Adyar Cancer Institute, he made the extraordinary decision to leave behind a successful career and move with his family to Assam. There, he has led with humility and innovation, ensuring that thousands of marginalized patients receive not just treatment but dignity and hope. His service has been recognized with the Padma Shri (2020) and Ramon Magsaysay Award (2023) for advancing equitable, community-driven cancer care.
In a deeply moving oration, Dr. Kannan reflected on the guiding question: “Are we truly relevant to the communities we serve?” He recounted how, in Cachar’s early days, patients often arrived late for treatment because they could not afford food, transport, or housing. His team realized that if these basic needs were not met, the best medical care in the world would still fail them. This insight reshaped the hospital’s model of care—expanding services to include housing, nutrition, vocational training, and education for patients and families.
"Healthcare workers are not only clinicians, researchers, and teachers— they are change makers."
Dr. Kannan emphasized that quality and compassion are inseparable. Guided by a pro-poor philosophy, CCHRC has eliminated dual charges, fast-tracked diagnostics, and strengthened partnerships through the National Cancer Grid. Looking ahead, he urged institutions to balance compassion with efficiency and to view health within the larger context of education, livelihood, and social justice.
Closing his oration, Dr. Kannan reminded listeners that by embedding compassion, equity, and innovation into every decision, we can transform how sickness and suffering are addressed and ensure that care remains truly relevant to the communities we serve.
Visit our website to watch the oration: www.vellorecmc.org/oration
Dr. Susan Taylor, Foundation Board Member, presents the 2025 Citation for the Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration to Dr. Ravi Kannan.
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Raj Narayan (Batch 1969)
In June 2025, Dr. Raj Narayan visited the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine as the C.C. Coleman Young Visiting Professor for the Department of Neurosurgery’s John D. Ward Resident Research Day. Reflecting on his journey from India, he shared how he arrived in the U.S. in 1976 with just $8 and began his residency at Virginia VCU in Richmond. As the first Head Injury Fellow, he advanced research on traumatic brain injury. Over his career, Dr. Narayan has led three major academic neurosurgery departments and become an international authority, inspiring the next generation of neurosurgeons through his leadership and lifelong dedication.
