Rachel Needs Your Help Urgently.

The Children saying goodbye to Rachel before going to Kinder School this morning.

 

When we returned to Talakag from the UK at the beginning of this week I received an e-mail message from Rachel Sulatan’s daughter Astrid to inform me that her mother was ill and required my assistance. Today we visited Bethany to deliver some books donated by our friends Agnes and Don Black currently living in Scotland for the children’s library so took the opportunity to visit Rachel.

I knew from the moment I saw her that something was amiss and that she was not looking well. After the customary greetings Rachel informed us that she has been diagnosed as having cancer. I was totally devastated in hearing this news as I know Rachel is a pillar of Bethany’s child care system having been a staff member for over thirty years (30) and a houseparent since 1988.

Having known Rachel or Chi Chi as she is affectionately called since I became involved at Bethany I do appreciate the tremendous work that she has done over the years caring for the numerous children that have passed through her cottage as well as those who are still there with her as of now. There are many adoptive parents all around the world who have met Rachel either when they came to Bethany to collect their new wards or have visited since with them as they grew up.

Without beating about the bush Rachel requires your financial help in order for her to receive the necessary medical care and treatment for her condition. Neither Bethany nor Rachel has the financial reserves to cover the cost of her treatment which will involve receiving radio-therapy as well as chemo-therapy and prescription medicine. Rachel’s treatment will be administered in either Davao or Cebu as Cagayan de Oro does not have the required facilities.

Since this treatment will start soon can I please appeal to all of you out there who know Rachel and are willing to donate to her care no matter how much or little you are able to give, any amount will be greatly appreciated. I promise to give regular updates on Rachel’s progress and condition.

Initially the cost of her treatment, travel and after care is estimated at $10,000.00 and all donations can be either sent through me or direct to Bethany, bank details will be given to those wishing to donate by contacting me direct at jcjimc@aol.com.

I hope and pray that this urgent appeal will reach out to as many people as possible and Rachel will receive her medical care without delay.