Non-governmental organisation Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) is currently seeking the public’s help to raise funds for 22-month-old Avisha Best, who has been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and is in need of urgent medical treatment in the United States.
SHEA local representative, Sita Sugrim yesterday told Stabroek News that Best was diagnosed with ALL about a month ago at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
Since then, she has been admitted at the hospital, where the advanced treatment needed to save her life is not available.
“Despite doctors’ incredible efforts to treat Avisha, her condition is worsening as time passes,” SHEA in a Facebook post said.
According to the Mayo clinic website, ALL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow -the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is the most common type of cancer in children.
Sugrim explained that Best will need a bone marrow transplant, which is not available in Guyana. Therefore, she must travel for treatment overseas.
She said that the organisation has received an “urgent” request to assist Best and has since begun the process of securing advanced medical treatment for her in the US.
The estimated cost needed for the treatment is approximately US$20,000 which is equivalent to $4.1M.
However, the figure is expected to increase and will be determined based on duration of treatment and other expenses such as housing, meals, medication, outpatient therapies and basic necessities.
“Time is of the essence, and we need your help to create a miracle for Avisha to travel to the US for urgent treatment to save her life,” SHEA urged.
Anyone willing to assist Best can visit https://savinghandsemergencyaid.org/avishabest or SHEA Facebook page.
Donations can also be made to Demerara Bank account # 006002041325.
