YOUNG Avisha Best, who was diagnosed with Leukemia, was flown to the United States of America (USA) for advanced medical treatment.

Best, who was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for 45 days, departed Guyana for the US on December 9, 2019, to begin the much-needed treatment.

The toddler’s treatment and transportation was organised, coordinated and funded by the Saving Hands Emergency Inc (SHEA) Foundation.

“Sincere thanks to everyone who donated to make this treatment a reality for Avisha. You are true Earth Angels,” said the foundation after they were able to successfully raise the funds to support Best.

According to SHEA, the debilitating disease had taken a toll on Best’s health. The organisation said despite incredible efforts from local doctors to treat the child, her condition continued to worsen as time passed.

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.

Despite being able to arrange treatment and transportation for the toddler, SHEA said they are still in need of funding to assist Best throughout the treatment.

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 branch of Demerara Bank under the name Lori Narine, using account number: 006002041325.