Benefit to help Pakistani flood victims scheduled

HOUSTON The organization was started in memory of a Pakistani doctor who lost two children to disease, but he has expanded beyond medical care to disaster relief. On Friday night, they'll be raising money for the people of his homeland suffering from a devastating flood.

Dr. Kashif Ansari started the Omair Sana Foundation 10 years ago. It was named after his son and daughter who both died of genetic disorders.

"We felt like it's the best thing for us to share the sufferings of people, especially children all over the world suffering from blood diseases and try to help them out," Ansari said.

Ansari, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, now practices medicine in Baytown.

His organization treats thousands of children a month, but he's expanded his mission beyond medicine to relief around the world.

Now his home country needs help.

His brother, Dr. Saqib Ansari, has been on the ground for weeks working in camps.

The flooding has washed away entire farms. At least1,500 people have been killed and millions more displaced since the flooding began a month ago.

"Anywhere in the world, whenever there is suffering of humanity, we feel the pinch," Ansari said. "We know how it feels to lose a loved one from your own family."

The Omair Sana Foundation relies on donations for their mission.

Moon Mehmood is just one of many volunteers trying to make a difference.

"It's a nation already devastated with so much," Mehmood said. "As an American Pakistani, I wanted to help my people; I wanted to help them. I wanted to, like I said, bring the youth together."

The benefit is Friday night at 7pm at Shahnai Restaurant, 5920 Hillcroft. Tickets are $25 at the door. Dr. Ansari says that's enough to feed an entire family for a week.