A year-long fund-raising campaign launched to save the life of a critically-ill girl came to an end this week when a grand total of AED 900,000 was raised.
Abu Dhabi-based Filipina Sarah-Jean Masinas suffers from Acute Myleoid Leukaemia (AML) and urgently needs a bone-marrow transplant. After a search for a suitable donor the Masinas family finally found one available in Sweden at a cost of AED 900,000.
Sarah-Jean’s mother, Rosalie, was overjoyed that enough money was raised for her daughter to have the procedure and praised the local media for their help as the remaining AED 50,000 was raised this week.
“Some people donated money after they read the article in Abu Dhabi Week last week, and others heard about our campaign on the Kris Fades radio show. I am just so thankful to all those who helped and Sarah-Jean is really happy.”
Now that the full amount has been raised preparations are underway for Sarah-Jean’s life-saving treatment.
“I went to the Swedish Embassy to apply for a visa and I am now waiting for the official acceptance letter from the hospital in Uppsala.
“We hope to travel on 14th July. We have to to stay in Sweden for 100 days, for a 40-day hospital stay and follow up visits.”
Post treatment Sarah-Jean plans to continue her voluntary work at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre. “My daughter was given the title Ambassador of Hope because she talks to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and helps patients who feel depressed or scared.”
For more information visit: www.facebook.com SarahJeansBoneMarrow TransplantFund
