The Leslie Rae Story (con't)
We had gone ahead and spent the first 24 hours with the four of us, lying on the shelter floor while we were waiting until we could get a bus to transfer us to a hotel. We were sent to a hotel for ten days in order for them to determine if we could become eligible for what is known as a Tr2. The first place we resided at really looked like a prison. We were also treated as prisoners there--curfews, no visitors were allowed. No cooking was allowed, and the four of us were confined to a single room no larger than 12' by 12'. The food that was served was always making my daughters sick. My God--I just could not take it any longer. Besides, the fact that there were 248 families living in this Tr2, if one didn't get on line in time for breakfast, lunch or dinner, they'd miss that meal for the day. I asked the head of the shelter for a transfer, and my request was denied. I had to do something, so I signed the four of us out on my own, "going back to square one"--the place where we had spent the first 24 hours. This time, however, being we were already eligible for housing, we did not have to again spend time in any hotels. We were transferred to a much more "livable" Tr2. I could not believe the difference. The shelter was very clean. We all had separate bedrooms. Most importantly, we had acess to cooking facilities.

We spent a year in the process, but it was worth it--we now have a place we can call home! Getting through such experiences through the years wil ldefinitely strengthen our faith in the Lord. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to come to know H.A.D., and Mr. Abbey Muneer, a wonderful humanitarian who gave me the opportunity to be part of H.A.D.'s 11th Anniversary Show, on November 4th of 2000. I participated as a photographer, and was very much delighted to hear the news that my pictures were published in the local paper. I was very much overwhelmed by this, as I never believed this would ever happen--but it did! As for now, I'm focusing on my work, and assembling my portfolio with the help of H.A.D.. My daughters, Frances, Ashley and Kimberly are quite proud of me, which I am really happy about.

I would like to thank Mr. Abbey Muneer, Steve Weber, and the entire H.A.D. Organization for supporting me and my family on December 30th, 2000. As you folks remember, on that day we had 10-12 inches of snow.. That afternoon, around 12:00pm, I heard my doorbell ring, and went downstairs to answer the door. To my surprise, I saw Mr. Abbey Muneer and Mr. Steve Weber, each 6 inches deep into the snow, each holding three black bags.

I asked them them what they were doing trudging through the snow, carrying these three bags. Abbey replied "We held a meeting last week, at which we decided to make a needy/homeless presentation of food and clothing to you and your family." I simply didn't know what to say! I welcomed the two of them into my apartment.

They brought gloves, jackets, sweaters, shoes, dresses and many more articles of clothing for me and each of my three wonderful daughters, Frances, Kimberly and Ashley. We really needed these items because we had no money to buy them in the position we are in. I've never seen so much clothing in my entire life, and it was all for my daughters and me. addition, they presented me and my daughters with an official H.A.D. Totebag which was completely filled with nutritious foodstuffs, so that we would have something to enjoy on New Year's Day. I asked Abbey why he and Steve had brought so much clothing and food to us, and he told me that he remembered that about five weeks ago, when I met him, and told him about our position, and what we needed most, he made a mental note to accommodate us in meeting our needs. When my daughters put on their new clothes and gloves to go out to have a snowball fight, it brought tears to my eyes. I deeply appreciate the efforts that Abbey Hussain and his organization had made on the behalf of my daughters and I. We are very indebted to him.

Damaris, The Miracle Comeback (con't)
One morning, the nurses detected a rash across my face. A well known doctor was called in to evaluate my case. After three months of anguish, I was finally diagnosed with systemic lupus. I was given high doses of steriods to control the illness. After I was discharged from the hospital to continue life as usual, only now with the knowledge that I had a chronic illness. To do long years of continuous treatment of steroids, I developed avascular necrosis (AVN), which first affected my hips. I spent three years in a wheelchair because I could not walk. My knees were also affected. At one point, I felt like giving up and dying. To make matters worse, the person I had married, whom I thought was a nice individual, was very abusive to me, and he used to beat me often. This went on for four years until I decided to leave him because I couldn't take his abuse anymore. My self esteem became very, very low. My only reason for wanting to continue to live, despite all my abuse and illness, was because of my son, Clarence. In 1996, I got my first surgery on my left hip. In 1997, my right hip was done, which followed with my right knee in 1998. All these body parts were replaced with chrome and plastic in order for me to walk again. After all these operation, and traumatic experiences, I was also diagnosed with osteo- arthritis. Because of my complication, my hands became badly deformed, which required me to have several operations done in order to correct. In addition, I had to get my toes and wrists fused. In 1998, from the progression of the treatment, I was able to miraculously walk again!

Throughout fifteen years of suffering, I still remain sane and strong. I am happy to help others cope with such a devastating illness. I had the privelege to meet Mr. Abbey Hussain and his board of directors of Help Against Drugs Organization of N.Y.C., Inc. This organization was founded to help people, especially youngsters. The progrms offered a wide variety of activities to help teenagers, such as boxing, wrestling and fashion shows. Once I heard about this organization, I got interested in knowing more. I liked it so much that I joined. I am now an a lifetime member of H.A.D., and I will be doing what I love to do most, and that is helping people. This organization will be having a fashion show on Saturday, November 4th., in which I will be participating, together with my son, Clarence. I am thrilled, because even though I

went through much pain and anguish, I am able to do something I believe I would never have been able to do again. Again, I thank God for giving me hope, and keeping me strong for all these years. Some of us may not understand, but health is the most precious thing a human being can have. Unfortunately, some of us take it for granted. That's why my goal on this earth is to help people and let them know that there is something called faith, and that's what has me where I am right now. I hope you learned a little from my tragedy. Just remember, it's difficult to appreciate what it is that you have until you've lost it. Never lose hope...please! Please come to see me model at the H.A.D. fashion show, and to hear my story live. May God Bless you all, Damaris Rodriguez, Lupus victim.