To the Editor:
Over a year ago, you reported about a story of a young lady collecting money so she could go overseas to seek a cure for kidney failure (“Beanie Babies Billionaire Gives Greek-Am. $20K for Driving Directions,” Sept. 1, 2012). She received $20,000 from the owner of Beanie Babies. Nothing more was heard from her. That is a shame because it gave hope to thousands who are on dialysis. I pray this wasn’t a scam.
Ethel Gianos Russell
Hollywood, FL
Editor’s Reply: Dear Ms. Russell:
Thank you for your letter. It prompted me to do some research and the story seems to be genuine, indeed and, happily, has had a positive outcome. According to an NBC News report on January 18 of this year, the woman, Jennifer Vasilakos, did indeed travel to Trinidad, where she received stem cell treatment, and “she says she feels great.” It also appears that she continues to maintain a blog regarding her recovery: http://kidneyrecoverywithstemcells.wordpress.com.
Constantinos E. Scaros
Executive Editor