Last week, I told you about a pretty little girl named Makaeya Lynn, who is nearly three years old. Her father, Lance Wheeler, works at the courthouse and her mom used to work in Domestic Relations.Makaeya has MLD, a rare disorder that attacks the nervous system. muscles and organs. It worsens over time. Because it is genetic, there are concerns about her 8 month-old sister as well.
There is no cure, but there is hope. A bone marrow transplant can extend her life, giving doctors precious time to find an answer. This is where we come in. We can help in two ways.
First, on April 21, there will be a bone marrow donor drive at Moravian College's Johnston Hall, between 3:30 and 7:00 PM. It's usually just a swab of some cheek cells.
Second, on my left sidebar, you will see a Paypal donation button that will funnel donations directly into a Lafayette Bank checking account set up for Makaeya. Northampton County Controller Steve Barron helped Lance set up this account and forwarded the donation code to me. I know, better than most, that times are tough. But no amount is too small, and if you can help her in some small way, I'm sure it will be appreciated.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteCan you get us the contact info for who we would contact regarding this? I would like to be tested, and I am sure many others would, but I am not sure I can go on that particular day.
Hope this helps you:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.marrow.org/HELP/index.html?src=tabinvolved
Bernie, I made a modest donation. I hope the bone marrow drive finds Makaeya a match. I don't know why kids have to get sick like this. Breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteI'll be donating on Friday, at least a little bit. Thanks for your kindness.
ReplyDeleteI don't know whyt this happens to kids either. It's my one beef with God. Other than that, he's OK.
For anyone that wants to organize a bone marrow drive in their community or workplace, you can call DKMS at 1-866-340-DKMS. The more donors we can register, the more patients we can help. I hope this little girl finds her match!
ReplyDeleteDoes she have insurance? Under the current rules, children with pre-existing conditions like this can't get insurance.
ReplyDeleteShe is the daughter of a county employee and has insurance. If Lance had no job, she'd still be entitled to coverage under the state's S-CHIP program, as was the case with my grandson.
ReplyDeletePlease don't take this the wrong way. I love discussing health care reform, but this is a post about a very sick little girl who needs our help. Instead of using her to make a point or couterpoint about a divisive subject, can't you consider helping her?