San Pedro community helps to save 7-month-old
Baby Daniel Estell
Guardian.bz – “Save Baby Daniel” was the theme this weekend as San Pedrano’s on La Isla Bonita gathered in solidarity to raise funds to assist the family of Baby Daniel Martin Estell Jr., seven months. The drive began in March of this year, a month after doctors diagnosed Baby Daniel with a rare liver disease called “Biliary Artesia”.
The effort to raise $300,000 U.S. dollars was what led the island to a 3-day fundraising this week which began on Friday, July 23, and concluded late on Sunday, July 25. On Sunday, the community at large gathered at the Central Park from around 8:00a.m. where they were entertained by musical bands including ’Rumperaha’ alongside Barrington Castillo, DJ Debbie and other local bands of the island.
While the figures for Sunday’s event have not yet been tabulated, the island has since confirmed that on Friday night, a Dance at the Jaguar Temple Club raised $7,000 while the Saturday morning early radiothon which was held between the hours of 7:30 and 12:30 noon, netted some $15,000.
Freelance Writer, Anita Nembhard was among the many who gathered to help save baby Daniel. The first hand experience was more than overwhelming as the love and dedication the San Pedro Community shares and displays were very visible in all their efforts to help save Baby Daniel.
In February of this year, doctors diagnosed baby Daniel with a rare disease called, “Biliary Artesia”. This is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carries liquid called bile from the liver to the gall bladder. The condition is congenital, which means it was present from birth. Baby Daniel Martin Estell Jr. was born in Belize and is the only son of Daniel Martin Estell Sr. and Ilda Guererro, both 22.
Baby Daniel is presently hospitalized at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital where both his parents are presently at his bedside. It is the family intention to try and raise enough funds to reach the cost of Baby Daniel’s liver transplant which is estimated to cost $300,000 U.S. dollars.
This weekend’s events was made possible with the kind help of the San Pedro Community, past students and friends of the San Pedro High School and relatives and close friends of Daniella Guererro, Baby Daniel’s Aunt.
In March of this year, the community was able to raise $35,000 at their first event to help save Baby Daniel. Anyone wishing to assist the family and community of Baby Daniel Martin Estell Jr. can call Edmond Chee at 501-610-3003, or visit Edmond@belizeangeeks.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or for more information go to “Save Daniel” on Facebook.
