IT is the time of year when families gather to celebrate with laughter and joy, but such a festive time would not be possible for 22-month-old Avisha Best, who was diagnosed with Leukemia.
Best is fighting for her life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but she needs to travel overseas for treatment as soon as possible, said the Saving Hands Emergency Aid Inc. (SHEA) Foundation – the organisation which took up the mantle to raise funds for Best’s treatment.
SHEA was called in to assist the toddler, who has been in-patient at the GPHC for 45 days. The advanced treatment needed to save her life is not available there.
According to the American Society of Hematology, Leukemia is a type of cancer found in the blood and bone marrow and is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal white blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets.
Leukemia can be either acute or chronic. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly than acute leukemia, which requires immediate treatment. Leukemia is also classified as lymphocytic or myelogenous.
Lymphocytic leukemia refers to abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system. In myelogenous leukemia, abnormal cell growth occurs in the marrow cells that mature into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
According to SHEA, the debilitating disease has taken a toll on Best’s health. The organisation said despite incredible efforts from local doctors to treat the child, her condition continues to worsen as time passes. She will eventually need a bone marrow transplant, which is not available in Guyana, so she must travel for treatment overseas.
“Time is of the essence, and we need your help to create a miracle in helping Avisha to travel to the USA for urgent treatment to save her life. She must travel within the next two weeks, so please do not hesitate in helping,” said SHEA.
Persons interested in donating towards the cause are asked to do so by either visiting the following link: https://savinghandsemergencyaid.org/avishabest or making a donation at a local Demerara Bank under the name Lori Narine, using account number: 006002041325.
