06 September, 2012
Dear friend,
Not long ago, we have informed you of our fundraising campaign called—Help BRA build that Clinic and save more lives—launched this past July to raise US $100,000 to build a new medical clinic inside one of the Dominican Republic’s most impoverished and vulnerable deep rural communities in the province Monte Plata—Batey Cinco Casas to deliver critical health services and free medicines to help children, women and entire families fight preventable diseases and save lives.
When Hilda Mercedes Duran, on her way to JFK airport from her little rural town of Sabana Grande de Boya in September 2005, said with her teary eyes, “…because of BRA, my son is alive,” it was a bitter-sweet moment for the single mother as her 2 ½ year old only son, Jhensi Duran, was condemned to die unless he receives an expensive heart surgery in the United States. She also knew that she was too poor to even afford his milk. Not knowing that her visit to BRA’s new medical clinic would change her life and that of her son forever. Yes! BRA secured the help of the non-profit medical group, Heart Gift, and sent Hilda and Jhensi to Texas where the boy successfully received the cardiac surgery. Since then, Jhensi has returned to the Dominican Republic where he has been enjoying his friends and his mother’s unconditional love.
Yes! In 2005, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and the Clinton Foundation helped BRA build the first modern medical facility inside Batey Cinco Casas, which today delivers comprehensive health and HIV/AIDS services to 40,000 people annually. Patients receive attention in general medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, dentistry, x-ray and mammogram testing, emergency care, etc. Those who have vision problems, receive eye exams, prescription eyeglasses and drops. BRA continues to improve the health and lives of hundreds of children and adults infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. But as the populations continue to increase rapidly inside the bateyes, so does the need for an expanded and more comprehensive healthcare. That’s why BRA proposes to build a second medical clinic to serve an additional 20,000 people annually.
“We have been providing much-needed caring and relevant services to impoverished communities for seven years because donors stepped forward and gave generous financial gifts, and now we need your help,” said Ulrick Gaillard, founder and CEO of the BRA.
At our annual benefit concert held in Philadelphia on September 10th, 2005, former President Bill Clinton made an emotional plea asking others to contribute to the work of the Batey Relief Alliance. Here is what he said, “…The Batey Relief Alliance is doing important and difficult work. They need our continued support.” Click HERE to view video message.
The BRA’s $100,000 “Help BRA build that Clinic and save more lives” Fundraising Appeals will continue until December 1st, 2012 with the goal of raising only $25,000 as $75,000 has already been pledged by the LCIF.
We desperately need your support to keep the momentum. We are committed to saving more lives with your gifts. As the year is ending, it is the right time to make a special contribution of $100, $250, $500 or more. If you make a contribution of $5,000 or more, we will place your name or that of a loved one on the entrance wall of the clinic next to other prestigious donors such as the LCFI, Clinton Foundation, etc.
Please mail your tax-deductible check payable to Batey Relief Alliance, at P.O. Box 300565, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230. You may also donate securely online by clicking HERE.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Ulrick Gaillard, CEO
Chief Executive Officer
