Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: May 16, 2003  

Several Ulster County residents representing both the public and private sectors have announced the establishment of "The Tino Fund", to help a 5-year old girl receive a life-saving heart operation. Tino is the nickname given by the group to Tinotenda Muchenje of Zimbabwe, in South Africa. Former Kingston Schools Assistant Superintendent Ken Hyatt learned of her plight during a recent visit to Kingston Hospital where Tino’s Aunt Elizabeth is employed.

According to Hyatt, "Tino’s aunt informed me that her niece has a potentially fatal heart defect. The young girl’s family has limited resources and no access to quality health care. I realized that unless there was a miracle, this young girl would not live very long." Hyatt contacted Rev. William Hardin of the Riverview Baptist Church who regularly preaches in South Africa. Rev. Hardin made contact with Tino’s physician in Zimbabwe, who then conferred with Dr. Neil Devejian, pediatric cardio-thoracic surgeon with the Heart Center at Albany Medical Center. Together they agreed that surgery was necessary to save Tino’s life.

An appeal was made to Dr. Sam Ciccico at Rotary International in Albany and, through their Gift of Life Foundation, Rotary has agreed to cover the cost of the surgery.

Then came the cost of bringing Tino and her mother to New York as well as the cost of after-care. For that, Hyatt contacted Kingston Mayor James Sottile, Rev. Hardin and several other community-minded individuals. The group assessed the costs and arrived at a goal of raising $15,000.

According to Mayor Sottile, "With surgery scheduled for July 10, 2003, we need to act quickly to save Tino’s life. It’s hoped that the greater Ulster County area of concerned residents will find it in their hearts to help this wonderful young girl by donating to her fund, "The Tino Fund", established through the Riverview Baptist Church.

Checks should be made payable to: Riverview Baptist Church/The Tino Fund, % Ulster Savings Bank, 180 Schwenk Drive, Kingston, NY 12401. All proceeds will go directly to the family. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Ken Hyatt at 246-4098 or Rev. Willie Hardin at 338-4650.