Subject: Qin Wei's update

Our beloved friends,

Our sincerest apologies for not able to reply to all the correspondences sent to us, as we have been looking after Qin Wei who needs a lot of attention in the hospital.

Words can never describe how much we are thankful to all of you who have sent us donations, gifts, well wishes, words of encouragement and prayers. With calls and support from not only our friends, but also from people & organizations that do not know us, we feel that we are never alone. Many of you didn't just donate, but also took the trouble to run rallies in raising funds. Our deepest gratitude to every one of you!!

Operation Cost

We are glad to let all of you know that someone has come forward to offer his help by undertaking the shortfall from our collection. If the transplant takes place, he has committed to pay the difference to SJMC directly. Thanks again for all your support this far, we deeply appreciate it.

Qin Wei's Current Condition

Qin Wei was transferred back to normal ward last Tuesday, 17th Aug 04 and is currently under observation. She needs to prepare herself to be fit and stable for the transplant. Doctor might consider discharging her back home to wait for the transplant, if her condition is stable.

Bone Marrow Donor

Doctor had shortlisted a few registered donors based on Qin Wei's profile (tested at a lower resolution previously). Her blood sample was sent to Taiwan on Monday, 23rd Aug for a higher resolution typing process. The result of whether or not there's a matching donor can be known within 2-3 weeks. The next challenge will be to locate the matching donor and hope that he/she is still willing to donate. The feasibility of using cord blood instead of bone marrow is also under consideration.

Tentatively doctor hope that he can perform the transplant by end of
September 2004 or the soonest possible as time is crucial in treating this
disease.

Just thought you might like to believe that some cases sent via email actually do exist...I never believed them till now also. =) This is the girl my Uncle helped out. Hope Qin Qei makes it. =)