MARCEL VIOLAN CASTILLO, 4 years old.

On June 28^th Marcel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Following a brief preparation, on Thursday, July 1^st the chemotherapy treatment began.

This type of leukemia has a favorable prognosis in children because the recovery rate is around 90%, following a treatment procedure of approximately two years duration.

Because leukemia is a type of cancer that attacks the production of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets, the aim is to not only fight the cancer itself, but the probable infections as well, many of which would be innocuous if the immune system were healthy. This results in added complications to Marcel’s treatment. Additionally, the low concentration of red blood cells and platelets produce, respectively, severe anemia and a propensity for hemorrhage, presenting a serious risk to surgery. To counter these negative effects, Marcel must receive periodic blood and platelet transfusions, in order to maintain minimum levels with which to continue vital functions while the cancer is being treated. Simultaneously, Marcel must be isolated and under antibiotic treatment as a way to compensate for the reduced white blood cell count.

In the first phase of treatment, Marcel must be placed in an individual room at the hospital, with a restricted access to visitors. The few visitors that are allowed (mainly his parents), must observe rigorous antiseptic requirements, such as wearing a mask, protecting gowns, avoid entering the room with street shoes, etc. This treatment period is estimated in four weeks average, depending on each patient’s response. The estimated cost for this phase is around USD 15,000.

At the end of the first phase, a biopsy of the bone marrow and spinal fluid is performed and if the treatment objectives are met, Marcel is then subjected to the second phase of the treatment, which spans approximately four months. During this phase, Marcel goes to the hospital for treatment, stays for three days and goes back home. This procedure is repeated each week. The estimated cost for this phase is around USD 5,000 each month.

After the sixth month of this phase, the trips to the hospital are spaced out and Marcel’s treatment becomes basically taking periodic medication. If Marcel reacts favorably, this medication goes on for 24 months. The monthly estimated cost for this phase is around USD 3,000.

Additionally, Marcel must be subjected to periodic bone marrow and spinal fluid tests, first monthly, then at two months intervals. Because of Marcel’s age, this treatment must be performed in an operation room, using general anesthesia. Each analysis will cost around USD 2,000.

Marcel’s disease, although serious and of an extreme nature, has a favorable prognosis, but only if he receives proper treatment.

If you wish to send a donation directly, you may do so at the following accounts:

Account holder: FRANCESC VIOLAN GONZALEZ (father of Marcel)

Bank: BANCO INTERAMERICANO DE FINANZAS

SWIFT CODE: BIFSPEPL

Account number: 038-411-208000331292-53

Also:

Joint account holders: JOSEFINA VIOLAN GONZALEZ and MIGUEL VALLELADO VILA

Bank: Caixa de Pensions “La Caixa”

SWIFT CODE:

Account number: 2100 3080 16 2200334702

JOSEFINA VIOLAN GONZALEZ and MIGUEL VALLELADO VILA are aunt and uncle of Marcel.We will send all donations transferred to this account directly to Marcel’s father, Francesc, using a money transfer service such as Western Union.