Reef does need this treatment

Reef Donald James Carneson was born on the 17th September 2008 to proud parents Lydia and Ryan. Reef was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at just 5 months old.
He underwent Chemo therapy for 6 months but was unable to achieve remission and it was then suggested that a bone marrow transplant was necessary to save his life. An unrelated match was found in Germany and on the 8th Sept 2009, the transplant took place. Reef suffered many infections and side effects from the bone marrow transplant. He has been in remission for almost 3 years now. He has lots of problems that have arisen from his chemo treatment and the transplant. He is very behind on his mile stones and he does not talk, walk, eat (his fed through an N.G. tube), has very brittle bones, has graft versus host disease of his skin, cannot open his hands at all and his liver is taking strain from all the medications. He requires major rehabilitation to get him to be a normal 3 yr. old. He had grommets put into his ears and he is now home and I pray that he will now get better and stronger.

The problem we face here in South Africa is that No one knows how to treat graft versus host disease, as there have never been any children that have survived this long. Also the specialists taking care of Reef are spread far and wide; they do not confer with each other so one will add a medication and another will say no. We need an oncology hospital where all the specialists are under one roof who works as a team for the good of the child. This can be found at different hospitals across the USA. We have identified one in particular, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, who have evaluated him for possible rehabilitation treatment.

Reef is almost 3 years old, weighs 9,2 kg and wears baby clothing aged 6 - 12 months. He is incredibly bright and understands EVERYTHING we say to him and has even learnt some sign language. Without the use of his hands and legs, there is very little he can do, mostly he watches D.V.D.'s. With the correct treatment, e.g. REHAB and possibly surgery, Reef could recover fully.

After the evaluation has been done, the dr. found that if Reef did not receive this treatment as soon as possible this disease could progress to blindness, deafness and Reef could end up in a wheel chair for the rest of his life.

Reef has been accepted to go for the needed treatment in L.A. They want to start the treatment as soon as possible. The hospital has agreed in writing to give a 50\% discount of the final bill, but, the outstanding amount would then still be over $500 000 from which a deposit of $100 000 needs to be paid before the treatment can start.

Ryan & Lydia has approached Discovery Medical Aid to help pay for the treatment. This has been turned down since his Oncologist from South Africa told Discovery that Reef doesnt need this treatment. If this is the case, why isnt Reef healthy? Why does he need to fight for his life every time he gets an infection? Why does the specialists in L.A say that his illness can progress to blindness?

Reef deserves to be healthy! He can get what he deserves by going for this treatment in L.A.

Please sign this petition against Discoverys decision! PLEASE HELP US TO GET REEF TO L.A IN TIME FOR HIS TREATMENT!!!