There are times when no matter how chic and stylish fashion seems to be, you have to give way to a cause that really matters - this is one of those times.
I received an email from Nadella Benjamin and the folks from the thoughtful group, The Caribbean Baby Network, about the touching plight of 3yr old Zuri Boucaud, who lost her hearing after a bout with Bacterial Meningitis in May 2008.
She's still in her formative years, so if she's ever to regain her hearing, now's the time to act swiftly and do some restorative sugery with implants; Dr. John Roland of the New York University Medical Center has pledged his support by offering to perform the surgery, and the center itself has waived many of its fees.
The implants, however, are costly - it's going to cost the Boucauds US$60,000.00 for one, and Zuri needs two. Her family is trying to raise US $120,000.00 or TT $700,000.00 for the purchase of the implants. Time is also of the essence, as the latest CT scans show that bone is starting to grow in her Cochlea, and the implants need to be placed in the next few weeks, or it will be extremely difficult to perform the procedure...
So here's where you come in. I'm asking you to give whatever you can to Zuri for this operation. Donation accounts have been established at recognized Trinidadian banks for anyone who is able to donate to Zuri's Gift. No sum is too small - or too big for that matter. The Accounts are at:
First Citizens Bank, Maraval Road Trinidad:
TT Dollar A/C #1628410. US Dollar A/C #1666908
Donations can also be made via cheque in the names of "Dion Boucaud" or Nicole Huggins-Boucaud" or "FCB A/C# 1628410. On the flipside, if you're looking for a more immediate way to donate to Zuri's Gift, contact the team for tickets to the special benefit showing of the latest Batman flick at Movie Towne in Trinidad, that's running this comming Monday Afternoon. Tickets are just $100.00 TTD and all proceeds goes towards Zuri's Gift.
L.M.N. Harris.
hi
I just did a google search and came across your blog entry. I just wanted to let you know that thanks to the generousity of family friends, corporations, ngos, the GOTT, friends of friends, even complete strangers and the wonderful people @ NYU Medical Centre, and the implant manufacturer, Advanced Bionics - Zuri was implanted in her left ear late July 2008 and was able to hear again for the first time a month later. If all goes well (we are stll fundraising and the hospital is working with us to bring the costs down so we hope we are close to target) she is scheduled to be implanted in her right ear in December, with "turn on" some time in January.
Meanwhile, Zu is back at pre-school and functioning once again as a happy, hearing 3 year old. She has adapted fabulously to the implant and her speech and word acquisition skills are pretty much back on track. We have high hopes for the second implant.
We don't think we will ever know all of the people who heard/saw Zu's story and responded with donations, prayers or even just good wishes, but on behalf of Zu and her family - Thank You, and God Bless you and yours.
Sincerely
Nicole (Zuri's grateful mom)
Oh my - This is fantastic! I'll definitely do a follow-up on this.
Thank God for things working out with Zu; she's a fanastic girl and deserves the best chance.
Best Always,
LMN Harris