Vaughan
November 13, 2008 11:36 PM
Stefania Lamacchia
Much like our troops, the Royal Canadian Legion is sending aid overseas.
Despite recent obstacles, branch 414 in Woodbridge accepted the challenge of helping a Romanian child in dire need of a bone marrow transplant.
“In a time we might think our doors will close, we’re putting this child ahead of us,” said Andy Straisfeld, branch 414 ways and means officer.
“We have to help the child first and we’re hoping the community will help us later,” Mr. Straisfeld said.
But George Bliderisanu, the nine-month-old child diagnosed with beta major thalassemia, or cooley anemia, isn’t waiting for some small donation.
The legion is determined to raise the 150,000 Euros ($232,000 Cdn.) needed for George’s surgery.
George’s cooley anemia is an inherited blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells, those same cells that carry oxygen to other cells throughout the body.
The disorder, which progressively worsens with time, greatly affects a child’s growth process.
A bone marrow transplant is the only cure for cooley anemia and will eliminate George’s dependence on monthly blood transfusions.
But the transplant needs to happen before George shows any sign of organ problems.
So the legion is hosting several events to meet their generous goal.
In October, the organization hosted two events including a Johnny Cash concert that raised $2,000.
On Nov. 21, the legion will welcome the Three Elvis’s from Collingwood.
“We got a lot of donations from local restaurants, breweries and wineries, so whatever we can sell we can make for George,” Mr. Straisfeld said.
But it doesn’t end with Elvis either. The organization is already making plans for the spring and summer months.
“We have a big field next to the legion hall that’s perfect for a big fair, and we’re hoping to ask the Rotary and Lions clubs to help out,” Mr. Straisfeld said.
Though a lot of people have expressed an interest in donating a helping hand, Mr. Straisfeld said he has yet to secure any formal commitments.
“Being a son of Romanian parents, I made a passionate plea and the membership felt this was the right thing to do,” he said.
Though legion members willingly took on the challenge, Mr. Straisfeld was initially apprehensive about the proposal.
“I thought it would be a tough sell to the members because we have our own things to worry about,” he said. “But at the end of the day, as long as our doors are open, we can’t say no to the people we’re supposed to serve.”
One of Mr. Straisfeld’s roles is to break the stigma the legion has in the community. He said the legion will always be there for Canadian veterans, but they support other people as well.
“By helping this child, you’re helping the legion, and by helping the legion you’re helping other people,” he said.
For more information on how you can help George Bliderisanu, call the Royal Canadian Legion branch 414 at 905-851-0032.