– returns to Guyana after successful treatment in USA

By Navendra Seoraj
LIKE a vampire in the night, cancer sneaks up on persons to drain their lifeblood and sink them into the depths of despair with debilitating mental and physical effects, which could be evaded only if the scourge is detected and treated early, as was done in the case of two-year-old, Avisha Best, who has successfully beaten Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL).

After 45 days of wailing with pain at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where advanced, life-saving treatment was unavailable, the toddler, through her family, received good news in December 2019, when the Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) Foundation took on the case and mobilised resources to have the treatment administered in the United States of America (U.S.A).

That intervention was needed urgently because ALL, according to the American Cancer Society, progresses quickly, and, if not treated, would probably be fatal within a few months. It starts in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made. Most often, the leukaemia cells invade the blood fairly quickly; they can also sometimes spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles (in males).

Despite “incredible efforts” by doctors at GPHC, Best’s condition was worsening with each passing day. But, thankfully for the toddler, SHEA was able to intervene quickly and transport her to the U.S. for treatment, which was anticipated to last for two years.

In October last year, the foundation reported that the cancer went into remission after the toddler completed the initial phase of treatment. Best was anticipated home in time for Christmas 2020, but further treatment was needed before she could finally get the clearance to travel to Guyana.

“It is indeed humbling for us to share this update to let you know that another of our cancer patients has returned home to Guyana. Avisha returned home to Guyana to the welcoming arms of her extended family. Today, her mother, Nicola, breathes sighs of relief as she also is reunited with her family in the comfort of her home,” the SHEA foundation said, in a recent post on its Facebook Page.

The foundation said it was a long and heart-wrenching struggle for Nicola, who fought hard, but fought strong for her baby girl. If there is one true hero in Best’s story, it is her mother, SHEA said.
While the toddler is out of danger, the foundation said she must continue maintenance treatment for approximately one year. “SHEA along with Avisha’s U.S. based medical team stands ready to provide support should she need us anytime in the near future,” the foundation said.

SHEA is a humanitarian organisation that provides financial assistance and coordinates free or low-cost treatment to address the emergency medical needs of individuals in impoverished countries.
“Beginning in Guyana and the Caribbean and seeking to expand to other geographic areas in need (as funds become available), we will support and empower patients who cannot afford crucial medical treatment due to poverty or lack of appropriate services in their home country,” the foundation said.
Their aim is to evolve into a sustainable and replicable model for improving emergency health outcomes. They plan on creating, funding and implementing healthcare plans that provide individuals with life-saving medical treatment and services.