Newsletter Winter 2004 / Spring 2005

Since the Summer/Autumn 2004 Newsletter we have had our AGM in Chatham, Kent and the first of our fund-rising events in Cheshire: a quiz-night in Delamere. During the summer holidays contacts were brought together in Italy where it is hoped to form a further group through our trustee Simonetta Fanelli. We are a small charity run entirely by volunteers. We are grateful to all our friends and sponsors who help us in our work. The need is still just as great and new sponsorship is always needed for fresh problems and new families, though we have been able to help in many ways due to regular sponsorship donations. We are also grateful for the pairs of spectacles which we continue to receive and which are arriving safely in Romania. Here is recent news of some of our families and their needs sent to us by Dana Stefan in Bucharest. Communication was difficult for a while following a fire at the flat above Dana’s. While waiting for the fire appliance, which took an hour to arrive, Dana’s husband and son battled to put out the fire and tried to save a husband and wife and their granddaughter. The grandfather perished in the fire. His wife is finding life extremely difficult. Details of all our families, all personally known to us, are available. We are happy to pass on any extra funds any time of year, such as at Christmas or for birthdays.
Cristina M’s mother died three months ago of cancer. The children are much better themselves and she is satisfied with her new family doctor. She has undergone tests and will receive appropriate treatment for her own cancer. Iacob A has been very happy to find that he will be having a sponsor for the medication in which he puts so much hope and trust. Florenta C’s son Radu is going to school and he is making progress despite his severe disability. Tereza C’s back pains are gone for now and she is keeping reasonably well despite her on-going osteoporosis and lupus syndrome, which brought her close to death before she found sponsorship through us. Silvia is continuing with her studies. Poznan V and his family’s problems are easier to bear. He is now helping the network and is very concerned for other families and is very generous of his time. Valentina has been sick and her daughter Ioana has been in a very poor way due to her serious condition caused by meningitis. There might be need of future medication. Florin M is fine despite being limbless and just like all the other members is wishing us all the best and good health. Emilia B is ill with kidney problems. Her daughter Minodora who has severe cerebral palsy is in need of vitamins. Her son Viorel, has schizophrenia and he cannot work anymore. He also needs help with vitamins. Zamfira G has two disabled sons, both on medication. Lucian (16) has severe behaviour difficulties and she would love a cassette player to provide soothing music. Mihaela’s HIV is stable and she is able to go to school.