Yahya Hendi, Georgetown’s Muslim Chaplain, was hospitalized early last week after complaining of chest pains.
According to Allison Carpenter (CAS ‘03), vice president of the Muslim Student Association, Hendi began feeling ill last Monday and on Tuesday checked into Holy Cross Hospital in Maryland. While he showed many of the symptoms of a heart attack, doctors were able to respond in time to prevent a full attack. Hendi is currently at home on bed rest.?
“Doctors have recommended reducing his stress level, exercising and eating well,” said Rehenuma Asmi (CAS ‘03), who visited Hendi in the hospital with a group of students. “We hope that we can do something to prevent this from happening again.”?
Hendi joined Georgetown on Aug. 1, 1999 and is the first Muslim Chaplain to be hired by a U.S. university at a full-time capacity. In addition to his duties on campus, Hendi has served as the Muslim Chaplain at the National Naval Medical Center and is very active in his home community of Frederick, Md. ?
“It’s a lot of work for one person to undertake,” said Asmi. “As Georgetown’s first [Muslim] Chaplain he has a great deal of responsibility. He gets bogged down by paperwork and tons of meetings.”?
Hendi is the father of two young daughters and a son who was born just last month.
