 |
| KINDRED SPIRITS by Emily Collins (continued) |
| Noel’s surgery was a success. He recovered fully and returned to his family and his home - a shack filled with holes that allowed mosquitoes to carry in the deadly threats of dengue fever and malaria. Although there is no
kitchen or bathroom in Noel’s home, he has proudly hung on the cracked wall a photo of himself with his hero,
Mr. Tye. Today Noel is an active five-year-old, attending a bilingual school and offering his family a chance
to break the cycle of poverty. |
Noel getting a little exercise with Emily Collins after recovering from surgery. |
A healthy Noel back with his family in Honduras. |
| Another case involving the Foundation is especially dear to my heart. It involves a 57-year-old man from Noel’s
same village who just this year was dying of heart failure. I knew finding financial help to bring someone his
age to the states for medical care would be difficult; lots of people want to help children, but somehow older
people lack the same appeal. I suddenly remembered that Mr. Tye’s own son, Michael, died of cancer when he
was “middle aged”. When I called him, Sabino’s case was accepted and I knew for certain that after the heart
wrenching tragedy of losing his son, Mr. Tye’s commitment to saving other lives
was a reality. |
 Sabino’s condition was deteriorating rapidly but we received an expedited visa
and he was treated successfully at New England Medical Center. When he
recovered, I took Sabino to meet Mr. Tye. He was filled with gratitude because
he fully understood he’d been given the gift of life. But Sabino was also scared
because he told me “I know Mr. Tye is a very powerful man”, but he was instantly
put at his ease when Mr. Tye asked to see his scar and explained that he had one
just like it himself.
I’ll never be able to adequately express my gratitude to The Ray Tye Medical
Aid Foundation for renewing my faith in the kindness of mankind, and granting
me the opportunity of following my passion to help others. With Mr. Tye, I truly
believe I have met my “kindred spirit.” |
