Hello Darlings: While I usually like to tell you good news today I write on a somber note:

If you have ever met Sheryl Lee Ralph as I have been fortunate to in my life as she is an amazing AIDS ACTIVIST who has used her talent as an actress to write and perform her DIVA Monologues putting a face to women and AIDS then you must.  I knew she was away in Africa on a mission and I was actually looking forward to calling them to get an interview on an experience for cause celebrity news when late last night I got this terrible news. I will continue to tell you that if you ever around Sheryl Lee and her camp you know that her assistant and any volunteers that are around her are like family. It's like she's the big sister hen and they all adore her and she them- so hearing that one of  her asssitants Chelsea passed out on the plane and hasn't gotten up since  shot me to my knees in prayer I hope that i can widen the prayer circle and you will also pray for the recovery of this chersihed young woman. I ask you all to do alot of things but I am begging to stop for a moment and do this.

Sheryl Lee as you know you have my prayers and full support as always, and now even more. My heart to chelseas family and as always I see that you are living beyond yourself a true testament to who you are.

SUZANNE AFRICA ENGO

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well and happy.

Last Sunday morning after three of some of the most difficult and challenging but deeply rewarding weeks in several southern African countries addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS prevention and advocacy, my two volunteer assistants and I boarded the plane to begin our twenty two hour journey home. We were excited and happy. Halfway through the second leg of our trip, Chelsea (34, bright, beautiful and healthy) got up to use the rest room after ten hours of much deserved rest and the next time I saw her she was face down in the airplane aisle.

The flight attendants had made the call for a doctor on board and four men responded. They worked on Chelsea for what seemed to be the longest hour in my life but she never regained consciousness. Saving a life can be a violent heroic act. The plane made an emergency landing in Boston (we were headed for Washington, Dulles) where Chelsea was readied to be taken to a hospital.   I was told that no one could deplane with her. I lied and said that she was my sister and I had to go with her and so I did.

Chelsea was taken to Mass General Hospital where they found out that she had had DVT, deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot had traveled up her leg split out into her lungs which blocked her heart and she suffered a heart attack.  This is the worst and often fatal type of DVT. The emergency doctor said that maybe if she had taken a simple aspirin before the flight, she might not have been in this position.  The combination of oral contraceptives and sleeping in one position for so many hours almost cost her, her life.

Nine days have passed and Chelsea has undergone several surgeries but has not regained consciousness.  I am asking for your prayers big and small. PLEASE pass this on and PRAY FOR CHELSEA!I believe in miracles! 

Blessings,

Sheryl Lee Ralph