Good day everyone,
I would like to bring to your attention the efforts being made by a small group of ladies on behalf of a family which definitely falls into the ‘of us’ category. Many of you know Rich Tabor through either Roger Whittall Safaris or Charlton/McCullum, and I’m sure those of you who do know him will agree when I say he is a good man and a true friend.
I heard about Richard and Sarah’s son, Sam, a while ago, but never realized the extent of the problem until I read Sarah’s report. Simply heartbreaking. It is difficult for me to imagine the challenges that the Tabor’s are faced with, but one thing I do know is that they will do everything in their power to make their son’s life a positive and happy one.
Right now, I am mobilizing the Mutare youth and they are organizing a dinner/disco to raise money for Sam Tabor. I know Richard and Sarah will appreciate any and all the help they can get, in whatever form. Below are the contact details for Janna Pole and Mel Duckworth, two of the ladies involved, should anyone want to know more or assist.
Thank you for taking the time to read Sam Tabor’s report.
Cheers, David


SAM TABOR FUND

Dear All,
Please take the time to read the story from Sarah Tabor (Sam's mum) and if
you are able to donate anything we would greatly appreciate it.
Since we learnt of Sam's condition we started to raise money for him which goes into a fund from which we regularly make payment to the various doctors, clinics etc. who are helping Sam.
If you feel you would like to contribute please contact us by email melduckworth@mokore.com or jannapole@gmail.com

Many thanks and hope you have a wonderful 2011.
Best Regards,
Mel Duckworth, Janna Pole, Suzie Malzer & Shayle Duckworth


Samuel Tabor was diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease in South Africa on 11th October 2010 at the age of almost 13 months. The doctors in South Africa at the Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic believe it is a genetic disease for which there is no cure and the prognosis is very poor. Sam’s paediatrician, Dr. Neser in Bloemfontein is considered one of the best in his field and the Professor of Paediatric Neurology, Dr Venter, who diagnosed Sam is a consultant and lecturer all over South Africa whose opinions are very much in demand.
They have said we might be lucky and have 20 years with Sam, or we might be unlucky and only get 2. These diseases are so rare, that in the Professor’s 40 year or so career, he has never seen one, hence they are not able to give us a definite prognosis. Over the next couple of years, through the system of M.R.I., they will be able to give us a better picture of what to expect for Sam. We are also waiting on blood test results to try to find out which disease it is, but because of their rarity, there are very few places that can carry out these tests. There is only 1 lab in South Africa that does genetic brain disorder testing, otherwise all tests have to go to Manchester in the U.K.
Sam looks like a perfectly normal little boy, which makes it all the harder to believe that he is suffering from a degenerative disease, however, he is now 15 months old and is unable to crawl or walk and can sit on his own for only short periods of time. He has physiotherapy once a week with a paediatric physiotherapist who specialises in children like Sam. She has trained 2 carers who do physio with him every day. This year Sam started occupational therapy to develop what skills he does have.
There is no foreign medical aid that will cover genetic diseases, so all of Sam’s medical expenses have to be paid in cash, and at a cost of between US$500 and US$1 000 per MRI and almost $900 for a night in hospital in South Africa and almost US$1 100 per diagnostic blood test, (the diagnostic blood tests will continue until we know which disease Sam has). His expenses alone per trip could be as much as US$3 000. We are currently looking into getting Sam onto Discovery Health in South Africa who do cover genetic diseases, however, they are notoriously difficult to get on to, especially with a pre-existing condition already in play.
Sam will degenerate both physically and mentally over time. He will eventually need a gastrostomy, which will have to be performed in South Africa, as he won’t be able to swallow, he will also need 24 hour nursing care at home and eventually hospitalisation in high care and intensive care.
Thank you to all of you for taking the time to read this, Richard, Sam and I are grateful from the bottom of our hearts for all of your help. I don’t think there are enough ways to say thank you to the people that are helping to try to save our child’s life.

Sarah Tabor
http://ca.mg41.mail.yahoo.com/...d=1&clean=0&inline=1

Heartbreaking, I certainly hope you get as many years as possible with Sam.

I am so sorry this has happened to the Tabor's son. If a fund has been set up, please post details.

Ditto, I would be happy to help. Someone post the details on how to contribute or how to get in touch with the fine ladies that are helping the family.

melduckworth@mokore.com

jannapole@gmail.com

Thank you.

As I said, I know the Tabor's will greatly appreciate all the help they can get. A fund has been set up - please contact Mel or Janna on the addresses posted by JBoutfishn to learn more.

David

Thanks for bringing this to everyones attention Dave.
I hope everyone will support the appeal and just wanted to bring it back to the top for those who haven't yet seen it or contributed.

Here is how to donate...

If you would like to make a donation you can
post a cheque to Peggy Davis,
P.O Box 118,
Merigold, MS 38759

but make the
cheque out to AFRICAN HORIZONS INC .

Then if possible let Mrs. Duckworth know how much you sent so it can be taken from the account.

Thanks Rob, thanks Tim, I hope you guys are fine. Best regards, David

Hi Dave
Hope you are well.
Seems a long time since I read one of your progress reports. What's new?
Regards
Rob

Ja, Rob, a very long time since anyone has read one of my progress reports and all I can do right now is apologize to everyone who is trying to follow this walk. I will be submitting 2 stories to www.africanxmag.com soon, and I will also write a report for AR and Facebook. So much has taken place, but all is well and I am making my way very slowly through the eastern highlands. Best regards, Dave

Good to hear all is well Dave.
I will be back in May so if you get a move on you could be back for another meet in Dande if you decide to do another circuit.
I make no apologies for hi jacking this thread with our chat if it keeps this very worthy cause in peoples mind !!
Regards
Rob