In Honor of Harrison and an Update on Elyse

Back in February, I wrote (on my personal blog) about Harrison Leonardo, a three-year-old fighting leukemia. Through Rice Daddies, I learned the very sad news that Harrison passed away on July 19, 2007.

Harrison’s parents have posted a beautiful and heart-wrenching letter to Harrison. As Newbie Dad wrote: “I cannot even begin to imagine the depths of pain and sorrow his parents are feeling. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.” To learn more about Harrison, or to send some supportive thoughts their way, visit his website here.

In addition, donations to a Memorial Fund established in Harrison’s name can be sent to:

SF Fire Credit Union
C/O Harrison Padua Memorial Fund
3201 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94118

(Please make checks payable to “Harrison Padua Leonardo Memorial Fund, Account #100314.S1.1”)

We are so very sorry for your loss.

:::

In June, Kimchi Mamas wrote a post about Elyse Yu, the eldest of triplet girls born on February 1st, 2007. She was diagnosed with HLH, a rare blood disorder. She continues to look for a bone marrow donor. Please — I urge anyone (especially Asians) to register to become a donor with the National Marrow Donor Program. All you need to do is sign up, fill out forms, and they will mail you a Buccal Swab Kit which you can mail back.

Please visit Elyse’s website to see how else you can help.

Here is info on upcoming drives:

CALIFORNIA:
Sunday, August 5, 2007 ~ Time: 9:00AM - 2:30PM Choong Hyun Mission Church
4565 W. Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

Sunday, August 12, 2007 ~ Time: 8:30AM - 3:00PM Bethel Korean church
18700 Harvard Ave.
Irvine, CA 92612
http://www.bkc.org/

NEW YORK:
September 2007 (Date TBA)~ Time: TBA Korean Presbyterian Church of Westchester
901 Pelhamdale Ave
Pelham, NY 10803
Contact: Cammy Lee Leukemia Foundation
(212) 290-2757

I have only hopeful and positive thoughts for Elyse and her family. Please help if you can, in any way you can.

Comments

[mary]

the links to the letter don't work... =|

[halfmama]

Hi Mary,
I'm sorry. Perhaps they made their site private. I'm not sure where to find it now. :( If anyone else has the correct links, can you please post?

Thanks for the heads-up.
hm

[honglien123]

Here is the link to Harrison's site:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/harrisonleonardo

The letter is in the journal post from July 28th. :Sniff: I still tear up reading it. Harrison's face reminds me of my Sweet Pea and I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing him.