"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In life we never know how we will end up. We are in control of our destinies to a certain extent. Charles Lawrence was in control of his destiny up to a point. He did all the right things. A handsome young (in his mid 30s) and strapping man he was, but now he is a sick, sick young man.
What is so amazing about Charlo is his will, his outlook on life. Never in my life have I seen someone like Charlo, he just will not allow his sickness to get the better of him. His body wants to leave him, but Charlo's mind, his heart, and his loving soul will not allow his body get the better on him. I feel so humbled when I speak with Charlo as I did yesterday.
He is indeed an inspiration! I remember Charlo growing up as a young man in La Plaine, he was always one that the other young men could emulate. He was involved in church, in all village activities especially dealing with the youth, respectful and helpful to his elders.
He was a teacher before going to study in Cuba. Charlo was an elected member of the village council, we served together, and he was a force to reckon with on the council, vibrant, energetic, and smart.
His smile was and still is intoxicating! Charlo's laugh would make one forget about his or her sorrows even for a while.He has not lost that spirit. He is a champion, one of the unsung heroes of my village.
Charlo has been living in New Jersey for the past eight years, and even though he is quite sick, he remains involved in community activities around New Jersey, it is just a profound part of him.
Charlo needs us now, he needs us badly and urgently. His life is well worth saving, and we can help do that. He has been suffering from kidney disease and has been on dialysis for a long time now, but it has reached a point where he needs to move to the next level, which would be a kidney transplant, although he has been reluctant to do it, he finally agreed.
His sister is willing and ready to donate her kidney to him, but it will cost over $100.000 US to get it done, he has no insurance and since he is not a legal resident, he can’t get it done through any State or Government programs. Please let us help Charlo.
There are some of us in the group who can help in different ways. Our medical people may know of programs or well wishers in the medical profession who would be willing to help Charlo.. Our other members can help raise the funds. We can do it if we want to and Charlo is worth it. Please! Please! Please ! I beg you my brothers and sisters let’s do whatever we can to save Charlo’s life.
Editors Note: The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences has fully embraced the plea to help a fellow Dominican, and we are urging everyone to contribute through the DAAS by going to
http://www.da-academy.org/memberfees.html and click on the Pay Pal donate button. All contributions are tax deductible, and can be made via credit card. Check payments can also be mailed to Treasurer – DAAS, P O Box 27254, Washington, DC, 20038.