Hello to my fellow boarders and lurkers. I came across these extremely touching videos last week but didn't feel ready to post them until now. They are very touching, very moving, very intense and will not be for everyone. Have tissue ready because you many cry despite your best efforts not to.
I thought perhaps I could share these videos on Bonnie's board after thinking about how so many of us are here to support Bonnie and Michael. Since Michael loved children so very much and was protective of them and extremely devoted to them and their well being around the world, this is my dedication to acknowledge his love of them and his desire to make their plight known to others.
The first video is about Progeria, which causes rapid aging in children. There is no known cure and only about 48 or so cases known in the world at this time. With so few cases, very little motivation exists to fund research into this genetic disorder. (I believe it's a genetic disorder and not a disease, but I would have to review the video to get my facts straight here.)
The next three videos cover the plight of little Marlie and what she has gone through. I know Michael would have been extremely touched by her story. I find myself thinking that Michael may have been empathic to some degree as he was very aware of and sensitive to the suffering and pain of others - particularly children. I'm sure he would have wanted to help her if he could have.
The last three videos I'm posting today in this thread cover the story of Shiloh Pippin and the last six months of her life. I found these videos extremely disturbing, moving and thought provoking. They also made me think of Michael, and I know that he would have cared about ALL these children, despite that fact that they were not his own.
Here's to the children of the world, and to our dear Michael. Thank you, Bonnie, for all your hard work and dedication, and for all that you do that goes unseen. It is often the unseen work that has the greatest impact in the lives of others.
I am adding Hayley's story to this thread, even though I said I said I wasn't adding anything more for today. Hayley suffers from Progeria, and her story will tie into the first video I posted above. She's quite a cute little girl with a charming personality. :)
These two videos help to understand not only what the child is experiencing but also what the parents are going through. Note that this video series mentions about 47 known cases, as opposed to the 67 mentioned in the video I posted above.
I wanted to add that Marlie's surgery was performed, as the video states, here:
Location: Miami, Florida
Jackson Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Jesus Gomez
I did some research as I immediately wondered if Michael Jackson was in any way involved in this hospital, and I found out he was not. The Jackson name refers to someone else, but I did find the name coincidence and the connection with children's charity organizations most appropriate here.
I also found that Dr. Jesus Gomez is still on staff. I may write him a letter asking how little Marlie is doing. He did a wonderful thing. :)
Warmly, Carmen
Last Edited by on May 25, 2012 9:37 AM
