Page 110 - Powerlist 2019 - Digital Edition

EY CORNERSTONE AWARD

Beverley and Orin Lewis

Founders, African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust

f life is the most precious gift a person can register. In 1999, at the age of 12, Daniel found a
receive, it is no surprise that the founders of match. Doreene Carney, a 45-year-old postal worker
Ithe African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust are the in Detroit, Michigan, had joined the US register after
recipients of the inaugural EY Cornerstone Award. hearing a presentation on the subject at work.
The award, initiated by the professional On June 16, 1999, Daniel became the first person
services giant specifically for the Powerlist Black of African Caribbean heritage to receive a bone
Excellence Gala, shines a spotlight on individuals marrow transplant from an unrelated donor. Six
or organisations that have contributed in an months later he was back at school. A dedicated
extraordinary way to the well-being of a community. and bright student, he went on to achieve 12 GCSEs
On 7 April 1993, Beverley and Orin Lewis’s son and three A levels. But his body had been damaged
Daniel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic by chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments and
leukaemia. He was six. sadly he passed away from multiple organ failure at
Doctors tried a number of treatment options, the age of 21 on 8 October 2008.
but it soon became clear that the best chance Daniel couldn’t have left a more incredible legacy.
of a cure would be for Daniel to undergo a bone The ACLT is still going strong, and Daniel’s parents
marrow (stem cell) transplant. The problem was are continuing to save lives by encouraging more
that as a person of African Caribbean heritage, people to join the register. Over the years they have
Daniel’s chances of finding a matching donor were signed up 70,000 people and directly been involved
about 250,000 to one. Had he been a white child in saving the lives of more than 70 people.
of European ancestry, the odds would have been The Powerlist called Beverley to let her know the
slashed to four to one. ACLT had won the EY Cornerstone Award. She was
Why the discrepancy? It was simple. Over the speechless for a few seconds before calling Orin
years thousands of northern Europeans had signed to share the news. The two heroes were clearly
up to the World Bone Marrow Registry, but hardly struggling to deal with the 10-year anniversary of
any people of African heritage had followed suit. their son’s passing as it approached. “Thank you, so
Beverley and Orin decided to try to change the much,” said Bev eventually. “You have no idea how
odds and the ACLT was born, its principal aim being much recognition like this helps us to keep going
to encourage more black people to sign on to the when times are tough. Seriously, you have no idea.”

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