Wednesday, February 13, 2008

A Desperate Plea for Charles Lawrence (Charlo)

"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.

13 Comments:

At February 13, 2008 12:59 PM , Anonymous Glen "Tito" Baron said...

I am a Dominican living in the Turks and Caicos Islands and when reading this article i really feel for him and as you rightly said in your article, "we control our own destiny but to a certain extent..." Anyways, I know Charlo for a long time and I also went to Cuba and met up with Charlo again. He is this jovial guy always laughing and sharing jokes! Charlo, man keep the faith and I will spread the message around and hopes that you will get help soon.

 
At February 14, 2008 8:42 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it possible to get Charlo's number?

 
At February 14, 2008 1:06 PM , Blogger thedominican said...

Charlo's number is 848 468 0350 and e-mail [email protected]. THis is an opportunity for the Dominican community to rally in saving a life.

Please if you have any ideas on organizations etc. that could help, please let us know.

Also, I would urge the variou Dominican ggroups to organise fundraisers to help in realizing the goal.

 
At February 15, 2008 6:58 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Charles, I will be lifting u up in prayer, and will be asking my prayer partners to go along with me, so the good Lord will see u through this challenging and trying times. Though I dont know u personally, but we never know who will be next, Be strong, be comforted with Acts 12:5-6, Deut. 3:22, Proverbs 19:23, and Pslam 127:2 GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY. From: A DOMINICAN TO

 
At February 18, 2008 10:13 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's do all in our power to help save a powerful young Dominican.

 
At February 18, 2008 11:27 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

He is great guys!We must do all in our powers to save this wonderful human being. God bless!
GregS

 
At February 20, 2008 3:04 PM , Blogger rasmatios said...

Greetings Charles, this is Harry Mo. It's sad to hear of your illness. Offering some strength and courage to a fellow Southeast man. Chebe wed pa moli. Jah Love and Blessings!

 
At February 26, 2008 7:14 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a young Domincan woman and I am very moved by this gesture of love and compassion that the Dominican community has extended out to this man. The Lord will repay evryone who helps him in some way or the other. Remember that the world is a cycle what we do today will determnine what our lives will be later on. Charlo call on God he will see you through.

 
At February 26, 2008 7:19 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is there anything to hard for our God to do?

 
At February 28, 2008 5:36 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know Charles we are from the same village I am very moved since I have a niece who is in the same position as Charles , she is in brooklyn and i mean the same situation, i will pray for Charles and definitely make a donation,I am appealing to all who reads this to do the same.

 
At March 11, 2008 9:14 PM , Anonymous Jaismine said...

It is very pleasing to me to know that the community cares for one another by offering help and support to ones in need. This is my Uncle and since I've known him he's been a loving and very inspirational man, who doesn't let his situation interfere with him spreading good news and uplifting spirits. He's all about keeping his family together and being able to make others smile. I appreciate all the support that this website offers. Keep praying and God will make a way.

 
At April 5, 2008 7:08 PM , Anonymous Caryl Allan Pascal said...

I remember Charles well with his intoxicating smile, infectious laugh and warm personality, an all round good guy. If anyone deserves our help Charlo does, God knows he has helped a many in his time.

 
At September 2, 2008 6:35 PM , Blogger BEVERLY NOEL said...

My name is Beverly Noel from Morne Jaune.I live in the British Virgin Island. I have known charles for a very long time we did a water safety course together where we had lost of fun. Charles your smile always bring sunshine to me. Reading this article brought tears to my eyes.I keep u in my prayers always and hoping for the best for you. I will spread the message around. love beverly

 

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