Baby Jonathan needs your help

Jonathan Caliz was born to Virginia Caliz on January 21, 2011 at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. At birth, he was diagnosed with Thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia, pronounced (THROM-bo-si-to-PE-ne-ah) is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of blood cell fragments called platelets (PLATE-lets). Platelets are made in your bone marrow along with other kinds of blood cells. They travel through your blood vessels and stick together (clot) to stop any bleeding that may happen if a blood vessel is damaged.

The duration of this condition depends on its cause. It can range from days to years. Thrombocytopenia can be fatal, especially if the bleeding is severe or occurs in the brain. However, the overall outlook for individuals who have the condition is good, especially if the cause of the low platelet count is found and treated.

Jonathan Caliz was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the KHMH for about a month after birth. In Belize he underwent Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound of the abdomen and blood transfusions. After being at the KHMH in the ICU and spending about 5 days on life support, doctors were unable to distinguish the cause of Baby Jonathan’s condition. As a result, it was suggested that baby Jonathan seek medical attention abroad. In an effort to obtain the medical attention needed at a more economic rate, the family has decided to take Baby Jonathan to neighboring Guatemala.

Initial tests have been performed on Baby Jonathan in Guatemala and while doctors have managed to stabilize Jonathan’s platelets count, his blood count has dropped drastically. To date, Jonathan’s medical expenses in Guatemala totaled an approximate US$20,000.00. This would only cover the diagnostic phase of the testing while maintaining Baby Jonathan stabilized.
To date, two fundraisers have been held, 1 Bar-B-Q sale at the Central Park; food sale organized by the Adventist Church. A portion of the proceeds from Super G children’s Disco organized by Ms. Debbie Spain has been pledged towards medical expenses of Baby Jonathan.

Virginia Caliz is making a formal plea to the general public for any financial assistance that could be made. An account has been set up at the Belize Bank. Donations can be made to Account#230421 in the name of Virginia Caliz. If you want to help in any form please contact Virginia at 605-4086.

Cancer Society hosts Blood Drive

Miguel, treasurer of the San Pedro Cancer Society, donated some blood on Saturday.

The San Pedro Cancer Society held a blood drive on Saturday to help collect much needed blood for two of the community's own. A young man who suffered an unfortunate accident last week has been undergoing several surgeries and requires blood, whereas another gentleman who is scheduled to receive treatment after falling off of a building where he works, will also be a recipient of some of the blood collected during the drive.

Monica, President of the San Pedro Cancer Society, alongside Mary, a member of the Society, prepare to head in and give some blood.

Dr. Severo Guerrero Jr, "Severito", fills in his form to determine if he can donate. He also donated blood.

Below, Mr. Milo Paz also fills out his form before donating to this very worthy cause.

During the day there was a food sale of tamales and tamalitos de chaya. The Cancer Society joined forces with The Belize National Blood Transfusion Service for this very worthy activity.

Kudos to all who showed up, and donated, bought food or pledged their support.

Blood Drive on Saturday

Come show your support!! Blood Drive on Saturday, September 4, 2010. Starting at 9am until...

"Blood is scarce and cannot be bought, this is the opportunity for the people of San Pedro to come and donate. Blood is credited in your name in case you ever need it and you are given a card as proof. Don't wait until the last minute!! Donate this Saturday and keep it until you need it - for yourself or for a friend in need!" Miguel Perez, Treasurer, San Pedro Cancer Society

There will be Chicken Tamales and Tamalitos de Chaya with your choice of chicken or pigtail. Come by and show your support!! Thank you!!

Blood Drive to assist Annie Rivero

Annie Rivero is in need of blood donations so if anyone is able to donate blood for her, it is a desperate medical situation and she needs multiple transfusions. The Central Blood Bank donation team WILL be in San Pedro on Monday, ready to go at 10 am. Donations can be made at Fairdale Plaza #5 (subject to change). Annie's type is A positive but if you give blood of any type, the blood bank will give her a bag of A positive and hold the donated blood that is not her type for another patient. In essence, she gets credit for it.

If you are in Belize City, please call Medical Partners of Belize and say that you would like to donate blood for Annie Rivero. Or go to the Central Blood Bank in Belize City which is located next to Karl Heusner. Inform them that you are giving blood in Annie Rivero's name who is at Belize health Care Partners.

If you can't give blood grab someone who can and get on down there.