A Brief Update On A Brave Boy, Ismail.

[Johnny Lee]

Ismail will be 10 on Sept 9th, this quite an achievement with his awful start in life, he lost his arm aged 4, in the most dreadful circumstances that I would only describe fully to the strong at heart.

As many of you know we made a huge step forward to try to buy Ismail a prosthesis and unfortunately a few weeks into our campaign it was discovered that Ismail had a very nasty aggressive cancer in his remaining arm.

Funds where immediately switched to start to try to fight the cancer, it has been a very long hard battle with Ismail almost dying twice due to brain hemorrhage from the Chemo and many other ongoing turmoils and trauma's inc. a bone marrow op. his young brother Yusef being the doner. (not exactly a bed of roses for either child).

The family have been to an unimaginable hell and back, and have suffered so many setbacks.

Ismail should have had his Sunnet shortly, (Circumcision) he is obviously by now terrified of surgery, the family are very very poor, his father works in bakery very long hours for basically the minimum wage.

I want to help them with trying to find a doctor who will carry this out with under anesthetic. Also try to help them arrange the funds for Ismail to have his much deserved celebration for this milestone in his life.

I will tell you more and keep you updated.

But in the meantime I am on the scrounge please , unwanted toys, clothes, for the children A girl aged 5, and 2 boys, 7 and almost 10. Also please some event prizes.

Myself and Quiz master Rick are going to hold a small event at Marie's Corner Bar (Alsancak) on Tuesday July the 12th, ROCK AND ROLL evening it will be Maries superb buffet, a quick quiz from Rick 20 questions approx ( with a music theme), Lots of Rock, Stones, Beatles, Glam rock, Bill Haley all the good old favourites and lots more and a few songs from yours truly. Starting at 7.30 PM.

There will be prize also for the best Jive and the best outfits. Booking is essential please call Marie 0533 824 0585.

We are not looking to raise mega money just a few hundred TL to help the family would be perfect.(but mega would be nice).

Every single Lira raised will got to Ismail and his family.

Marion as very kindly offered to do a more detailed update for me in the online newspaper Kibcom Times.

Also sometime in September god willing we are planning to get Ismail to one a venue locally for a fun party day (not a fundraiser) just a chance for all the people who have helped and supported Ismail to meet him.

Thank You for taking the time to read this.

[Johnny Lee]

SORRY Should read 12th August,

[Owl Lady]

Johnny. As I am unable to get to that venue, is there anywhere a donation can be made? I live in Ozankoy and no transport of my own.

[Johnny Lee]

Owl Lady that is very very kind of you and thank you, there is no rush but would be nice if we can put it with the evenings total.

This is my phone number 0533 843 6539 I can pick it up at some stage or possibly get it picked up ,

Kind Regards .

[DieHard]

Well done Johnny, I am sure Barbara at Ozankoy Bookshop would be willing to be used as a drop off point. She did back in the early days when you were collecting food for the family. Her number is 0542 865 7916.

[stellasstar1]

Do you have a drop of point for clothes or toys West of Girne?

[Johnny Lee]

Thank you both Stellarstar and Die Hard, I have just spoken with Barbara at the Bookshop and she is more than happy to help us thank you Barbara.

I will speak to Marie at the Corner bar in Alsancak also and I am sure she will also help this end with any items to be dropped off.

If it is a problem for anyone I can collect.

Many Thanks .

[Marions]

I have the name of a doctor who can help with the Sunnet. See you later on thi s one. Oh and Owl Lady you can always pass on anything through me (or should I say, Via me)

So glad that the event on the 12th is near me cos I can pop in and get pictures.but sorry, I will be wearing ear plugs cos I am no Rock and Roller! The only kind of R & R that I like is Rest and Relaxation'. But I am sure itr will be a great night for fans of thi s music, and even better is that itwill be helping this lad.

I know there are those who think that there are hundreds of others out there needing help, but we don't know who they are. It is really a privilege to have had Ismail become part of our hearts and lives and to be able to help just one family to have those little extra touchés I know that SOS village do much to help certain families who are struggling, and we can support them to help others if we wish .

I think Lee has a mission in life and he will not rest until everything is right with Ismail - and as they sayin Austrlaia - Good on #'im'

[Owl Lady]

Thanks Marions, I have spoken with Johnny today and agreed to leave it at Ozankoy bookshop with Barbara.I pass it most days.

[Johnny Lee]

Thank You Owl lady and Marion, I will gladly help any genuine good causes that I can, and of course there are so many other like minded people here, also some entertainers who will give their time free of charge, we can normally put some sort of event together to help.

Marion how about Roll over Beethoven ? nice and loud.

[Owl Lady]

Hi Johnny, do you mean that big St Bernard from the movies????You'd have trouble rolling him over!!

[Johnny Lee]

Owl Lady I don't know that movie, I was thinking of the Beatles track, nice and loud especially for Marion.

What movie is it ? We are into the Breaking Bad series at present and loving it. xx

[Owl Lady]

Hi Johnny, I knew you were referring to the great Beatles track, I am a Scoucer!! The films (4) were made around 2000.About a very large St Bernard who is owned by an American family and like all doggy film is weepy, funny and a good laugh for all DOGGY lovers. Sorry Philoz

[Angiebaby]

Hello Johnny We heard news today about the family getting some sudden unexpected help. From a well wisher, this came from a business contact of my husbands also in the music business. Would it be cheeky to ask you to confirm.

[Owl Lady]

Hi Johnny, delighted to read about Ismail's operation and God bless the doctor who did the op for him.

[Johnny Lee]

Thank You Owl lady, it was out of the blue and very quick , but yes hats off to the doctor and The Taxi company who also provided a very long return trip. all free of charge.

So now we are in credit to start our small event so anything we raise can go towards a party for them and may be their Sunnet suits, I am trying to find out if they can be hired.

[Johnny Lee]

Angie Baby yes this is the news as mentioned by Owl Lady.

Thank You for your help and support.

[Sheiloblige]

Hi Johnny I have sent you a PM

[Johnny Lee]

Thank You Sheiloblige. I have emailed you . Regards Lee

[Johnny Lee]

Thank You Ladies, you are so kind, some super items for the children and family, also some donations to start us off .

We are very grateful , I will update when we know more and let you know the amount etc.

Please would anyone wanting Buffet please confirm with Marie on 0533 824 0585.

Thank You

[Owl Lady]

Sorry I can't make it Johnny, but hope you have a great time and make lots of money!!!

[Darzee]

Just trawling through some old posts and came across this thread.

Whatever happened to Ismail, do we know?
I remember donating to a Marathon run to raise funds for a bone marrow transplant.

[Johnny Lee]

Ismail is now 11 years old and doing just fine, we were never able to buy his prosthesis due to his Cancer treatment. I am in touch with the family quite often but not as much as before (and that's a good thing). No news is good news. Many of the keen Ismail supporters have either moved away or some unfortunately passed away.

Also my main interpreter and had to move back to the U.K.

Thankfully to the many people who helped , we have hopefully given the lad and his family a future.