Alvin is doing so well! I am so happy to share this update with you. A friend of Alvin's adoptive family wrote the following update and continued plea for financial donations, and gave me permission to share it along with these new pictures of Alvin.
This update reveals how Alvin's doctors learned some things about him that were not clear before. It also explains the details of how Alvin was able to make it to the states when the flight was not yet completely paid for.
"Alvin livid in Liberia, Africa. There he has a mother and five siblings who loved him. At the age of eleven Alvin's life changed forever. Left paralyzed weeks after a car accident, doctors there unknowingly misdiagnosed the cause of his paralysis, treating him for tuberculosis. As time went on Alvin laid in a hospital bed and complications arose placing him near death. Doctors gave up hope on him. The only thing his mother knew she could do was to give him up and pray that he would be adopted by a family who could get him the lifesaving care he needed. The mother's dream came true when Stephanie and David Dodd adopted him.
In order to get him here safely an air ambulance had to be hired at a cost of $98,750. The amount was unobtainable for the family. They started to raise the funds but realized Alvin would die before they could get the full amount. They agreed to take a $20,000 deposit which they borrowed, and give the full payment of $78,780 within 90 days .
Since that time Alvin has undergone five surgeries and received excellent medical care at Greenville Memorial Hospital. His health continues to improve and he is now safe at his house with the rest of his new family.
The family still faces the challenge of raising the money to pay for the air ambulance by November 6, 2009. By spreading the word about Alvin's story we all hope to attain the financial goal. If you can help in any way please send money to the address below. Thank you so much for the support."
(Alvin at home for his 14th birthday. Here he is with his brother, who was also adopted from Liberia).
Right now the AOH Paypal link is down (due to the website redesign project) so you will have to donate by sending cash or a check.
Alvin Dodd
119 Cherrywood Trail
Greer, SC 29650
Thank you for the part you may have already played in bringing Alvin home. Please continue to spread the word about this great need. Continue to pray and donate again, if you are able to. Remember, even the small amounts add up fast.
-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)
