On the team of dedicated staff at Southern Palms, Junior Sous Chef Alston Parsons is the proud father of 3 lovely children, the youngest a girl named Rasonte born November 6th. 2001. At only 6 years old Rasonte and her family have challenges that most of us never have to encounter.

She was born full term normal delivery, everything was great until she was about 8 months old when swelling to both feet and hands started. With visits to almost every doctor's office including QEH, it seemed as though every other day was spend in a doctor's office and none of them could explain why Rasonte was having the swelling and in the process was in major pain. That was not until February 23, 2003 when she was finally diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and was schedule to start the Sickle Cell Clinic at the QEH on Monday March 3, 2003. Unfortunately she never made that appointment, she fell sick on March 2nd and after that everything was down hill. Picture waking one morning having a perfect child and by 8p.m. watching that child fighting for her live. On March 14th. Rasonte had bilateral below knee amputation and on March 21st. bilateral below elbow amputation. Rasonte Parsons spent 1 month in QEH with the majority in PICU and was discharge on April 2, 2003 at only 17 months of age a quadruple amputee.

Following the 2005 Fundraiser and many generous donations, Rasonte has now been fitted with new below knee prosthesis and her first myoelectric below elbow prosthesis. The second hand will be fitted once she has fully adjusted to the first one, but these would need to be replaced as she grows. It is estimated that her prosthesis would have to be replaced every 3 – 4 years, but adjustments will have to be made every 6 months. All treatments will be in Houston, Texas.

Children are our future and they touch us all daily in one way or another by being our children, our sister or brother, our grand's or just the children of others close to us. However attached they are the innocent and the beauty of life.

Southern Palms would like to appeal to all of you to consider the Parsons situation. Give thanks that their situation is not yours and give generously, your donation is welcome and can be done through Southern Palms Hotel or direct to Rasonte's account at Royal Bank of Canada.
Rasonte Parsons Fund # 57326010

Future consideration for Rasonte is welcome, as funds will be much needed to meet the cost of further treatment and for the replacement of prosthesis as Rasonte grows.
A Trust Fund is in the process of being established by Chancery Chambers, with the assistance of
Dr. Trevor Carmichael's Office.
Southern Palms have launched a White Ribbon appeal at our front desk and at all branches of The Royal Bank of Canada. It is our hope to create an island wide awareness and ongoing support for Rasonte.

Should you wish to obtain more information, you can contact me at 246 428 7171 and I will be happy to answer any questions or introduce you to the family of this lovely child, who despite her circumstances is as happy as any 6 year old.

Sincerely,
Britta Pollard,
General Manager