Copied from Redriverpak’s blog
A Call for Help (Update)
About three weeks ago, I was contacted by South African friend Jackie with information about a local boy, Tristan Smit, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer by Doctor’s in South Africa. Specialists at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston thought they may be able to treat the boy if he could somehow get to Houston. A large fundraising operation was undertaken in South Africa and the family was able to travel with Tristan to Houston. He underwent a lot of tests and then the family was given the miraculous news that his cancer is treatable, after extended radiation treatments, and that there is a 80% chance the cancer will not return. Today, I received the following comment on this post from Tristan’s Mother.
Hi I m the mommy of this little angel. We are in Texas at the moment. In SA dr ‘s told us Tristan is terminal and we must let him go with no pain. We found a hospital in US Texas, M D Anderson. They diagnosed him correctly and can treat. Will get 31 sessions op proton radiation, it s not available in SA. Dr told us 80 persent chance of never coming back. Better than terminal or what do you say! Only problem, proton is $80 000, and believe it or not annestetics $80 000. Then still dr’s costs. My baby has got a chance now. He will life and survice!
Helen Smit
As you can see, Tristan has cleared the first hurdle. He no longer is considered terminal but the family faces a huge uphill battle due to the extraordinary cost of his treatments. All donations are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made through the link below or through the website link above. For those here in the USA, charitable contributions are fully tax-deductible.
Please keep Tristan and his family in your thoughts and prayers this Holiday season.
A CALL FOR HELP
Today I am posting about something a little different. I do not post appeals as a rule however this little boy needs our help fast.
About Tristan
Tristan Smit is a beautiful, happy two and a half year old toddler. As a sixteen month old he was diagnosed with a brain tumour which after careful consideration was removed.
Unfortunately, at the age of two and a half , Tristan’s tumour reappeared in the brain and tests had South African doctors believing that the cancer has spread down his spine leaving his small body terminally ill.
The type of cancer affecting Tristan is called Ependymoma. Doctors in South Africa are unable to do anything to help him at this stage, and if left untreated his condition will ultimately lead to paralysis and death. Tristan has, however, been offered a respite as a group of doctors in Texas at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston have examined his case and are convinced that they will be able to help him. Tristan’s treatment in Texas is going to be very costly and his parents, Pierre and Helen Smit, are desperate to raise enough funds to save their little boy.
Please keep this little boy in your prayers.
If any of you are in a position to make a donation please click on the link below. No amount is too small.
**For those in the USA, the suggested donation of 100 ZAR comes out to about $14.80 (US).
The donation site is hosted by a local radio station, Jacaranda 94.2 , who, through their “Good Morning Angels Project” have just donated R50 000 to get the fund started.
Time is of the essence here. I will keep you updated on Tristan’s progress.
PS: To other bloggers – please help me to spread this information (feel free to reblog). In our small way we can make a difference in this family’s life.
**To all my IDIOT SPEAKETH blog friends, if any of you are also able to share this post on your own blogs or if you can just link to it, that will also get this story out to thousands more eyes. Thanks!
Thank you very much my kind English friend! 🙂
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