ALEX I met Alex twelve years ago. He was ten years old, had never been to school and could not read and write. He was one of the many patients with hemophilia I met during my regular trips to Romania. Alex was born with severe hemophilia in a country where therapies were not readily available. Because of swollen joints caused by regular bleeds Alex could hardly walk. I knew that I could get him help. Our partner Project SHARE sent donations of factor replacement therapies and within a short period of time he was not only walking, he was running. To make his joints and muscles stronger Project SHARE also purchased a stationary bicycle for him. Once stronger and able to walk Alex started school and at the age of eleven he was in first grade. It must have been awkward for Alex to tower over everyone else in his class but his wish was to learn and nothing would deter him. At age twelve Alex started attending Camp Ray of Hope. Every year Alex would make the long trip from Bucovina to Bucharest traveling by train all night and then joining other campers on a long bus ride to the camp site. Every year Alex would bring with him his report card to show me his progress in school. He was so proud of his grades and so happy to be learning! I was happy too. There is something about making a positive impact in someone else’s life! As Alex was growing and showing maturity his role at camp started to shift from that of a camper to a counselor in training to a full counselor. Through sheer determination and in spite of continuous problems with his joint bleeds, as well as a precarious family situation, Alex persevered and eventually graduated from high school. Alex’s dream had always been to be a driver but that costs money, money he did not have. I recommended Alex to our partner Save One Life which approved a grant of $540 for Alex to attend driving classes. I know that Alex is going to pass the driving course. I know he is ambitious and determined and I know he wants to succeed. I know, because he said so, and because he proved himself a winner in spite of a serious illness and a very difficult family life. I am so proud of you, Alex! Who knows, one day maybe you will be driving the bus to camp!
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 05:37:41 +0000
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