Avisha Best, the 22-month-old who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) last month, departed Guyana on Monday for emergency medical treatment in the United States, for which funds are still desperately needed.
The announcement was made in a Facebook post made by non-governmental organisation Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA).
The estimated cost needed for Best’s treatment is US$20,000, which is equivalent to GY$4.1 million.
However, the final figure is expected to be determined based on duration of treatment and other expenses, such as housing, meals, medication, outpatient therapies and basic necessities.
The organisation has only managed to raise just over US$5,000, which is equivalent to just little more than GY$1 million.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that while most of the funding was not secured, Best had to depart Guyana since her condition was deteriorating. However, in an effort to assist Best throughout her treatment, the organisation is pleading with the public to continue donating. “We are still in urgent need to funding to assist Avisha throughout treatment, so we ask that you kindly continue to donate,” SHEA said.
SHEA’s local representative Sita Sugrim previously told Stabroek News that Best was diagnosed with ALL about a month ago at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
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 said in a previous Facebook post.
Sugrim had explained that Best will need a bone marrow transplant, which is not available in Guyana.
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.
Anyone willing to assist Best can visit https://savinghandsemergencyaid.org/avishabest or the SHEA Facebook page. Donations can also be made to account # 006002041325 at Demerara Bank.
