Hi Everyone:
BRITS IN LA reached 8,400 members this week! The price of being part of such a large community is we get to hear so many more life stories. These past couple of weeks seem to have been particularly tumultuous for BiLA members. As you know, last week we sadly lost Darren Shahlavi. This week we have been focusing on saving a life. Amy Watts has been a very active member, (as well as friend of both Craig and mine) for the past few years. She embraces every one of our slightly mad party themes. Whether it is dressing as Elizabeth I at our Dead British Halloween party or painting her cheeks with England flags at our World Cup events, you can be sure that Amy and her gung-ho attitude will be present and correct.
Less than a year ago, Amy was diagnosed with colon cancer and although she sensibly had health insurance she was informed (after several grueling months of chemo) that there was nothing else they could do for her. However, a doctor in England disagreed and suggested a series of operations may be what was needed. The snag being that it would cost about $100,000 or £70,000. Last week we joined forces with Amy’s amazing group of friends and colleagues and at press time we have managed to raise $82,000 in 6 days!! One of our favourite Brits in LA, Matt Goss even put on a benefit show at the Dorchester Hotel in London. He managed to push the fund up by an extra £5,000! Simon Cowell has been very generous too, as have so many Brits in LA members. The support on social media has been astounding; just type in #HoldAmysHand in the Twitter search box to witness the outpouring of love and hand holding for our Amy.
This week we are not only asking you to donate cold hard cash (which you can do by visiting HoldAmysHand.com) but requesting you post photos of yourselves with your friends (and even strangers) all holding hands. You can Tweet them to us @BritsinLA but make sure to follow @HoldAmysHand too. If you prefer you can email them to us at BritsinLA@gmail.com and we will happily share on your behalf.
I managed to get Martin Kemp and Michael Greco to hold hands with me at the Spandau Ballet concert this past weekend. I challenge you all to outdo that 😉 Lets get hand-holding and save a life. I also want to use this opportunity to remind you all to get tested for this on your next visit to your GP. Don’t wait until it is too late or because you are slightly embarrassed. Life’s too short as it is.
Talking of which, if you don’t have medical insurance the deadline to sign up for the Affordable Care Act is February 15th. I am still slightly confused by what the open enrollment really means – but fortunately I have fellow Brit and insurance expert, Adam Beach at the end of the phone whenever I need. Feel free to drop him a line if you need a hand with it too. adam@BeachFinancialGroup.com
That’s all from me this week – I look forward to bringing you some good cheer in February.
Don’t forget to donate to HoldAmyshand.com – and if you have no money please just spread the word.
Cheers!
Eileen
