The Sickle Cell Care, Advocacy, Unity, Support with Empathy Action Group (SC CAUSE)
The Sickle Cell Cause Gambian Families Support Fundraiser https://issuu.com/health-wealthworkshops/docs/the_gambian_project
Please click above to read the Sickle Cell Cause ‘The Gambian Project’ Report to update yourself with our full program of support extended to the Sickle Cell affected living mainly in the rural parts of the Gambia. Updated copies will be issued at our next Annual General Meeting. Everyone we support have life-challenging and threatening issues and are in dire need of immediate assistance.
SC Cause is grateful to receive your support as we strive to ‘Make That Difference…… Together’ THIS CAMPAIGNS TARGET IS £12,000 PLEASE DONATE WHATEVER YOU CAN
To request information on our services and campaigns. Email: sicklecellcause@gmail.com PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO DONATE Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International ~ A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Gambian Project or state the NAME of the person you have chosen to sponsor
The Sickle Cell Cause Gambian Support Fundraiser The Sickle Cell Care, Advocacy, Unity, Support with Empathy Action Group (SC CAUSE) Has been visiting The Gambia and supporting members of their Sickle Cell Community with Awareness, Education and Peer to Peer support since 2016; what began as a family holiday, soon became a focus for this group with the Committee in full agreement that to support our rural African community as our prowess to give back and jointly fight the worldwide crisis caused by the lack with all medical and educational areas that the world’s largest and fastest growing blood disorder continues to cause. Sickle Cell Cause visits Francis Edward Hospital’s Monthly Children’s Sickle Cell Clinic 2017
Sickle Cell Teacher Training 2017
It has become increasingly obvious and with sadness that so many lives are cut short and those that manage to survive to adolescence are struck with debilitating disabilities that would have been avoided and managed had they had access to the medical advances we in the UK can take for granted. It soon became increasingly obvious and heart breaking when SC CAUSE recognised that as a small but effective Actin & Support Group, managed by a small number of sickle cell affected volunteers in the UK our passion alone was not sufficient to properly support the many families and individuals in The Gambia with the issues they face, however we also recognised that the obstacle from allowing some of our most severe cases to be properly addressed was funds. This is no longer an obstacle, because we know that our UK ComeUnity will assist us to assist our brothers and sisters in need.
MEET THE
JAMANKA FAMILY We have begin this campaign with our largest family of Sickle Cell Warriors. This is a family of TEN with FOUR severely affected by Sickle Cell Anaemia.
This is their Sickle Cell Story
The Jamanka Family 2018 highlighting Dawda, Mariama, Julldeh & Fatoumata For this family our goal is to raise £11,200 Please read on to learn why this sum is needed PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO DONATE Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International ~
A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Gambian Project
The Family of Ten live in rural Wellingara, located in the West Coast region of The Gambia.
Ousman Jamanka, 23 years old and with his help we can share his family’s story.
“In our family my father is the bread-winner, he is a loving father and is known as a good man in our village, he provides for all our daily needs, food, school and including the medicals bills and so on, he works very long hours in the hotel industry as a cook and my mother does petty trade, (sells hand made goods), to help support as well”. “Sickle Cell Anaemia has caused difficulties with all members of my family, everyone is affected, I am most worried for my mother as she is always especially worried about her girls, she gets very upset because she can’t imagine good for what may be their future and she becomes very depressed. She has a lot of pressure because it is very scary caring for her family every day and its worse when they fall into sickle cell crisis. My mother has a lot of skills but is forced to be a housewife as she cannot risk being far from her children because of all the emergencies”. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are different health challenges within this household however, four members are severely affected with Sickle Cell Anaemia / Disease. Medicines and each hospital and clinic visit can cost more than a month’s wage pack for just one person and each sickle cell patient is appointed to attend monthly hospital and clinic visits for checkups and to receive their prescriptions for medication, however, sadly these appointments are rarely kept due to travel and medication costs
We will begin with Julldeh’s story, whom is in desperate need of a Hip Replacement Operation. Hip, Shoulder and Knee Replacement Operations are a very common necessity with Sickle Cell patients. In the UK the procedure is accessible on the NHS and if no complications arise the sickle cell patient will recover within 6 weeks with a new lease of life. We hope that Julldeh will be able to have this life changing operation by December 2020.
Julldeh is now 32 Years Old And living with the SS type of SC Disease causing daily pain and mobility restrictions. The Gambia does not perform Hip Replacement Operations and so Julldeh has been advised to seek the operation she needs in India. £9,200 is needed and will cover the costs for Julldeh’s Operation and all Living and Travel expenses whilst in India. PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO SPONSOR.
Via PayPal via hasif04@yahoo.co.uk Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International ~
A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Julldeh
Since Sickle Cell CAUSE met with Julldeh and her family at home in 2018 and learnt the extent of their Sickle Cell issues, Julldeh’s health and mobility restrictions have deteriorated immensely in just 12 months, causing spinal curving as well as the cartilage in her joints to painfully disintegrate.
To see the obvious deterioration and constant pain Julldeh has to endue can only be described as heart-breaking. Her mother remains in a traumatised state, knowing that each day her eldest daughters condition worsens with minimal, sometimes no pain relief nor opportunity to help her. SC CAUSE is hopeful that with your assistance we can at least grant Julldeh a life with mobility, if not, this time next year she will be unable to walk & rendered bed ridden.
It goes without saying that Mr. and Mrs Jamanka have an increasingly physically hard and mentally challenging life. Caring for one Sickle Cell Warrior in the western world is noted for these challenges and ‘Respite Breaks are made available for parents & care-givers, however, the Jamanka’s have four Sickle Cell Warriors, and living below the national minimum wage in a very rural area of Africa. No health care options are available, all medicines and medical treatments have to be paid for with no concessions. Travel to appointments are mostly impossible to attend, so the health issues for all only ever increase. We believe that both parents are in desperate need of a ‘Respite Break’, if only for Mrs Jamanka’s mental state of mind. Balance is needed and depression is a slow creeping killer. In order for Mrs Jamanka to continue with her loving toils of family care, a holiday is a necessity, of course Mr. Jamanka who works endlessly is also in need, neither have ever had a break or travelled any further than the hospital to seek lifesaving treatment for their children 27 miles away and every waking moment of their lives is steeped with worry and work, each of their children would like to see their mother have a break.
The local neighborhood of Wellingara is a densely populated area with most of the families living in an extended family system. Most of Ousman’s siblings attend school, his parents work exceptionally hard trying their best to ensure the longevity of their lives and an education for their children so that they have options in the future. Hotel work is seasonal and is not well paid, yet they still strive.
With your assistance SC CAUSE would like for both parents to have a mental & physical ‘Respite Break’ from the norm of Sickle Life and therefore have included £300 the cost of a week’s break to this fundraiser. This will pay for the both of them to stay in an ‘all inclusive’ hotel not far from home, they need to be near home otherwise mum will not go and if she did, the distance away will only add to her stress. PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO DONATE. Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk
Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Parents
Mr. & Mrs Jamanka
FATOUMATA JAMANKA Has just turned 19 and whilst living her lifetime of debilitating pain, she explains that she tries hard to remain optimistic about the future. She understands the sacrifices her parents are making and is very respectful and appreciative especially as she is fully aware that she is fortunate to be able to attend school on her ‘Well Days’ and with the support from her other siblings she is able to catch up with her studies after recovering from her frequent attacks of painful Sickle Cell Crisis, (Excruciating Life Threatening Pain Attacks.
Due to her Sickle Cell condition Fatoumata has lost a lot of time at school but is eager to be a success for herself and her family. Fatoumata’s personality is a ray of sunshine and really stands out. She doesn’t allow her obvious physical pain to dictate misery for those around her and her bubbly attitude gave her confidence when explaining that her dream is to become a Doctor. She is determined that her disabilities will not steal her dream because in the future she will help find the Cure for Sickle Cell Disease. With your help, our aim is to raise £700 to help cover the costs for the next 24 months for Fatoumata’s needed personal Medication supply and for her Schooling costs, including travel & the books she needs to study to become a Doctor. PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO SPONSOR Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk
Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Fatoumata
“Not all Fathers will pay for their girls to be educated especially if they have this sickness, my medicines cost a lot of money and my father works very hard and he and my mother is always tired”
Brother DAWDA
One of the most inspiring things we came across with our visits with the Jamanka’s was their true grit, determination and capacity to accept the hand they were dealt without expectation or the ‘Woe is Me Attitude’, they all were obviously trying their hardest to ensure our comfort in their home and it was a very humbling experience, their attitude were also factors considered when deciding which families were chosen first for this Worldwide Support Campaign. Dawda Sabally is 40 years old up until 3 years ago, with his mobility limitations taken into account, Dawda was able to force himself to work and maintain his needed monthly purchase of Morphine, Anti-Biotics, Folic Acid and Blood Thinners, but his condition has worsened with age causing extreme breathing difficulties & mobility restrictions with walking, recently his boss…“asked me to stop the job because I am always having Sickle Cell Crisis”. Had Dawda been a UK resident, he would have been registered with severe disabilities from childhood. We were amazed by his attitude and willingness to assist. even though his discomfort was obvious. Dawda’s family is worried about his depressive state of mind, not being able to work has affected his dignity, it has increased his limitations and severely affected his mental state.
With Your Help we intend to Raise £400 to assist Dawda with his medication supply and equipment to help his mobility, thus enabling light shifts of part time employment. PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO SPONSOR.
Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International ~ A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Dawda
MARIAMA JAMANKA
Shy quiet, Mariama is 27 years old and completely dependent upon her family, being deeply affected by the SS strain of Sickle Cell Disease had prevented her from being able to physically and mentally attend school and she is home unable to work living in a very depressive state. Applying for jobs is futile as no employer will consider her and her family is known throughout the community as sick and unable. She is completely dependent on the money her parents can raise for her medication and food; this causes her to be living in severe daily pain, as medication for her cannot be consistently maintained. If her pain could be managed, she will at least be able to assist around the house thus allowing her depressive state to alleviate creating a sense of usefulness and self-worth also relieving some of the household burden from her mother.
Ref: Mariama
As an active Peer to Peer Sickle Cell Support network, SC CAUSE fully understands the effects of depression in the Sickle Cell affected, it is a slow killer from within and for the patient to be able to bring themself out from under this cloud depends on active support with verbal dialogue from those that can fully emphasise and also the of use medications to relieve the current physical burdens of pain and traumatic hallucination’s. SC Cause can assist with peer to peer dialogue from a distance; however, Mariama needs a more hand’s on approach from professionals from her own background. With Your Help we intend to Raise £600 to assist with her medication supply and a 12-month course of direct counselling. PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO SPONSOR
Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International ~ A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: MARIAMA
Lamin Kalleh
Please meet our second family need. 9-year-old Lamin lives with his parents and younger sister and baby brother in Busambala. Lamin looks a lot younger, is very short for his age and sufferers severely with mobility difficulties. Lamin is dependent daily on a cocktail of prescribed medications including Oral Morphine, Folic Acid and Didofeure also known as (Diafuryl). He is forced to take many days off school due to the pain in his joints, especially in his left hip and suffers with attacks of Sickle Cell Crisis as often as every four to six weeks and is then treated additionally with intravenous morphine, saline anti-biotics and Blood Transfusions, doctors are trying to prevent childhood Stroke. Doctors have stated that he will soon need an operation to assist his bone growth and to prevent his bones rubbing where his cartilage has disintegrated
~~ Message of Appreciation ~~ “My name is Karamba Kalleh and my wife is Yai Darboe, I am a Police Officer and my job has much stress and responsibility, but even with this job I cannot afford the cost of my family house, food and all of Lamins medicines every month, so my wife is scared for the health of our eldest son. The cost of traveling to the hospital every month and medicine costs a lot of money, sometimes my brother and his wife helps us when they can. Lamins medicine costs 330 Dalasi every month and we cannot afford the operation to help his hip. I have supplied the evidence of my income and Lamins costs So, we are very grateful to the UK people and the Sickle cell group for helping our son to get better, We
Thank you very much “
With Your Help we intend to Raise £300 to cover the costs 9year-old Lamin’s medication for 24 months. Whilst keeping Mr Kalleh’s pride in tact; this sponsorship will enable him to save the money needed to cover the cost of Lamins upcoming operation whilst ensuring Lamin is receiving his needed medication as prescribed to manage his pain and strengthen his immune system, so his body will be strong enough to have the operation in due course. PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR AVENUE TO SPONSOR
Via PayPal hasif04@yahoo.co.uk Direct Transfer to Barclays Bank ~ Healthy Living International
A/C: 03484114 Sort Code: 20-46-57 Ref: Lamin
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Message of Appreciation “We are indeed grateful as a family for your concerns and continuous support during this trying times, as you continue to help support us in arranging for our treatments we will like to extend our gratitude on advance to all those concerned in supporting us in one way or the other, because those that have concern for humanity need to be always thanked and remembered for what they are, therefore thank you all once again from the Jamanka family here in The Gambia”. The Sickle Cell Cause are also very grateful for your support.
Our Goal is to raise £12,000 £11,200 is needed for the Jamanka Family £300 is needed for 9 year old Lamin Kalleh for his mobility treatment, hopefully to prevent the need for an operation on his left leg and the balance of £500 will help support the Sickle Cell Department at the Edward Francis Teaching Hospital, via whom SC Cause has pledged to continue to support the Gambian Sickle Cell Community. We look forward to sharing with you how your assistance will physically help
Lamin Kalleh and the Jamanka Family. SC CAUSE will keep you updated with written updates, photographs and videos. Please Email sicklecellcause@gmail.com Subject: Gambian Fundraiser to receive receipt of your donation and the updates promised. We Thank You again for helping us with this ‘Fund-Raiser’ to help Gambian Families suffering in silence from the effects of SICKLE CELL DISEASE.