Appeal for infant in need of heart operation

PHUKET: The British International School (BIS) Phuket is calling for donations to help pay for specialized medical treatment for three-month-old Ruby, daughter of the school’s art co-ordinator, Claire Lester.

Ruby has been diagnosed with DiGeorge’s syndrome, a genetic disorder that has left her with a partially collapsed lung, pneumonia and requiring a heart operation.

She is currently hospitalized in Bangkok and weighs less than 4 kilograms. As Ruby was born with her condition, no insurance company will cover the costs of any treatment.

The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) will host a a fund-raising dinner and silent auction at Skipper’s sports bar at Royal Phuket Marina on July 17 to raise funds for Ruby’s treatment.

The BIS staff committee and PTA will be discussing fund-raising options over the next few days and a benefactor’s package has been made available to companies and individuals.

A trust account is being set up to enable people to donate directly, even if they are outside Thailand, said BIS headmaster George Hickman.

“We are trying to raise 600,000 baht for the operation and then hope to support Claire Lester with the costs of Ruby’s on-going care,” Mr Hickman said.

“We are looking at ways to make Ruby heart lapel badges to sell to raise funds, and we welcome other fund-raising ideas or initiatives,” he added.

Donations can be made at the BIS Primary or Secondary office in a sealed envelope before June 28.

Tickets for the PIWC fund-raising dinner are 600 baht each. Contact Carole Dux (Tel: 085-7821332 or Email: mummydux@hotmail.com) to buy tickets.

Potential benefactors can email Claire Cornielje at: claire.cornielje@yahoo.com