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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 23, 2007 - 15 Youth aids Pakistan paramedic with concert By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF This Sunday, May 27, the substantial distance of 11,000 km will become very short as the Oakville community rallies around a young man in need of help in Pakistan ... thanks to a young Oakville boy with a big heart. Oakville's Alex Mitchener is out to ensure a paramedic in Pakistan will get the chemotherapy he needs. The somewhat odd reversal of roles is spurring 12-year-old Mitchener on as he spearheads a benefit concert to feature Glen Soderholm this Sunday at Knox Presbyterian Church. Not long ago, in Pakistan, paramedic Prem Das, 23, learned he has lymphoma and must undergo expensive chemotherapy treatments. Here at home, 12-year-old Mitchener found out about it and vowed Das will get the healthcare he badly needs and which his family could never afford. Mitchener is the driving force behind the May 27 benefit concert at Knox Presbyterian Church that will feature Soderholm. All proceeds will go towards the costs of Das' chemotherapy treatments. "Isn't it ironic," asked Mitchener, who is hoping to raise $4,000 at the concert. "Somebody that saves lives now needs our help to save his life?" Although they are separated by 11,000 km, there is a strong connection between Das and Mitchener. Das is a missionary working with Interserve, a network of Christians from all over the world who, using their professional skills, work together to serve people of Asia and the Arab world -- getting alongside them in tackling material, physical, mental and spiritual needs. Das works with tuberculosis (TB) victims in outlying areas of Pakistan, getting them assistance and medication they otherwise could not access. Mitchener runs a "Toonies for TB" program to raise funds to fight TB in Pakistan. That program is overseen by missionary Dr. Bill McKelvie, also of Knox. When Mitchener, a Grade 6 student at Rotherglen School, was nine years old, he first noticed the Toonies for TB program at Knox Presbyterian Church. Large jars were placed throughout the church to collect spare change for the TB program. Mitchener began donating a toonie from his weekly $5 allowance. Three weeks later, Mitchener asked his parents, Glenna and Ted, why his was the only toonie in the jar each week. His mom Glenna challenged him to do something about it, so Mitchener spoke to the church minister. The following week, Mitchener, who also plays flute and takes archery, was standing before the congregation and encouraging members to support Toonies for TB. The response was so good that Mitchener was asked to lead the Toonies for TB ministry. Alex Mitchener "I didn't know anything about TB when I first got involved," said Mitchener. "TB is a preventable disease, but it kills 2.7 million people each year. I just had to get involved when I learned that," he said. Mitchener is passionate about the Toonies for TB ministry. He speaks at his church three or four times each year to raise awareness of TB and support for his ministry. He has also delivered presentations to school children and to a Toronto church. Since Mitchener took over the Toonies for TB ministry, it has grown from about $100 a year to approximately $3,000. This money pays for drugs to combat TB in Pakistan. Toonies for TB has also helped pay for medical equipment, a Women's waiting room at the TB clinic, and a motorcycle to allow paramedics like Das to reach people in outlying villages. In December, Mitchener learned that Das had been diagnosed with lymphoma. He appealed to the Knox congregation to help fund the treatment. The church's Memorial Trust Fund provided funding towards the chemotherapy. In five short months, Mitchener has managed to raise $6,000 to assist Das. Mitchener, who is currently in a wheelchair recovering from a hip fracture and complications, hopes the concert will raise $4,000 more to complete Das' treatment this year. After that, Das will continue to receive maintenance treatment and Mitchener intends to continue fundraising. According to Glenna, Das' Prem Das family can't afford the treatment and Das lives in a world where if you don't have the cash, you die. "When I heard that Alex was raising funds to benefit a young man in Pakistan with lymphoma, I was moved to get involved," said singer/songwriter Soderholm. "I believe in vibrant worship and that's exactly what's happening here in Oakville." Soderholm's music has been inspired by the likes of Bruce Cockburn, Paul Simon, Mark Heard and Shawn Colvin. His compositions are used by congregations throughout Canada. The benefit concert will take place in the heart of downtown Oakville Sunday at Knox Presbyterian Church, which is located at the corner of Lakeshore Road and Dunn Street. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and are available by calling 905-8443472 or at the door. JOANNE LUCAS WARREN Elected Member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour CSPWC SCA Living Well Pilates SPRING & SUMMER CLASSES LEVEL I - II - III II SIGN UP NOW! No Membership Fees Mary German I have achieved my last year's goals of weight loss, increased energy and enjoyment of exercise - M.H. Now affiliated with B ih ith Body Harmonics. Are you interested in learning to teach Pilates? We now offer instructors classes too! Together we can build a healthy, caring and inclusive community. "Pilates For All Bodies" 905-847-0707 2251 Westoak Trails Blvd., www.livingwellpilates.com United Way of Oakville 466 Speers Road, Suite 200 Oakville ON L6K 3W9 t: (905) 845-5571 www.uwoakville.org