AFRICAN SAINT NEEDS BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT!

Hi, my name is Cole Capener and, in 2001, I founded and still run a 501(c)(3) charity named Saving African Families Enterprise (SAFE). SAFE provides medical and other assistance to families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and cares for AIDS orphans, in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly 20 years ago, I was on a plane flying to Harare, Zimbabwe when I met Peter Kwenda, a pastor in the Salvation Army in Zimbabwe. As we talked and became acquainted on the plane that day, Peter told me that his wife, Norma, was responsible for the Salvation Army's HIV programs in Zimbabwe. Peter later introduced me to Norma and that was the catalyst for a nearly 20-year partnership between SAFE and the Salvation Army in Zimbabwe.

Last month, after 38 years of Christian service in four different countries, Peter retired from his Salvation Army management position to his home near Harare, Zimbabwe. Sadly, he had been recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. His doctors have said that he needs a bone marrow transplant to survive. He consulted with doctors in South Africa (Zimbabwe does not have this capability) but the cost of a bone marrow transplant in South Africa is about US$65,000, far beyond Peter Kwenda's ability to pay. His doctor recommended the Fortis Hospital Group in India as a less costly but experienced alternative. There is no health insurance system to cover these costs in Zimbabwe. The Salvation Army will provide US$12,000 towards the cost of the bone marrow transplant but the procedure in India will cost just under US$20,000 (inclusive of pre-and post-operative costs and air ticket to/from India) and Peter Kwenda lacks the necessary resources to pay for the surgery. So, we are reaching out to good people everywhere to help this good man who has spent his entire career in the service of others. We need to raise US$8,000 as soon as possible to save Peter Kwenda's life. (SAFE will collect and ensure the proper delivery of all donations)