A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake has hit Haiti, including the densely populated capital Port-Au-Prince and the surrounding area. Although there is as yet no accurate assessment of the death toll it is clear that millions of people live in the affected area. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, greatly increasing the risk that people will suffer or die in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
The DEC members respond in emergency situations to save lives and improve the health and environment of survivors. The public has pledged millions of pound in the past and has helped save thousands of lives. To carry on providing this vital service it is essential that we have continued support from the public.
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LEUKAEMIA TRUST
HELP MARCIA
My husband, Andy Williams, is a professional soccer player and is currently playing for the RLS team (Real Salt Lake). He travels a lot in his career, however, when he is home, we do EVERYTHING together as a family. I have come to realize that my girls, Shai, age 14 and Lexi, age 5 and husband, cannot imagine life without me - a reality that we may now have to face.
In May of this year, 2008, I found out that my blood counts were very low. On July 3, 2008, we received the terrible news that it was Leukaemia.
My world stopped, I wanted so very badly for it not to be true. I have since learned that it will take aggressive chemo and a bone marrow transplant to have a chance of beating this rare form of leukaemia (AML type 6).
I had the most wonderful conversation with my five year old, Lexi. "Mommy are you sick or tired?" I replied, "I am both baby", she then said, "are you going to stay in the hospital?" I said, "Yes why?" She said, "who is going to take care of us., I said, "Daddy will", she then replied "Daddy can't cook or wash the towels", I told her that I will teach him everything, she asked, "are you going to stay long in the hospital", I replied, "I don't know, but let's trust God and everything will be okay" She hugged me and said, "you are the best Mommy ever, I am glad you are my Mom."
You see, with all the love, help and support we have received, I am still desperately in need a bone marrow transplant. So far, the doctors have not found a match. I am asking you, PLEASE, please think about the lives you could save, my life, among many others, moms, dads, babies can be saved if you sign up and become a donor, I ask you please help me and the many others out there. I know the donor who is a match for me is out there, but if you are not tested, I will never find you. My children and husband need me in their lives, and I need them.
Andy Williams said, the biggest challenge - aside from paying the bills - remains finding a bone-marrow donor who matches Marcia's rare tissue type, something that would drastically increase her chances of survival. Without one yet, Marcia is unsure when she might begin chemotherapy or have a transplant. (www.aclt.org)
HOW TO HELP ACLT
A vast majority of the general public are not aware that by stepping forward as potential life savers we could all offer the ‘Gift of Life’ by registering as potential bone marrow/stem cell donors.
Without financials donations our work would not be possible, and every penny we are given is a great help towards our work. A £3 donation can be made by texting ACLT to 84424 or a direct debit donation of just £3 per month can help to make effective change and is of tremendous benefit towards our work. Contact us at: info@aclt.org or call on 0208 240 4480 for more enquries.
