Dear Artists & Friends,
I’m writing on behalf of my dear friend Roberto. As many of you know, In September Roberto was sadly diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. He was hospitalized and underwent a procedure called ATG (anti-thymocyte globulin) treatment. Presently, Roberto is recovering, but he still faces many challenges. There is still a possibility Roberto will need a bone marrow transplant.

Although there is no positive link confirmed between the use of oil paints and Aplastic Anemia, there is a possibility that the toxicity of these paints could have exacerbated his condition. Therefore, Roberto has discarded his oil paints and purchased a new set of non-toxic paints. In addition, he is now washing his brushes with vegetable oil and soap opposed to mineral spirits, which contain benzene. I’d like to point out that while most people who have Aplastic Anemia have not been subjected to toxic substances, I encourage everyone working with oils and mineral spirits to ensure your studios are ventilated properly! Roberto is experimenting with his new non-toxic oils when he feels well enough, unfortunately though he’s not able to accept commission jobs at this time. Instead when he’s feeling up to it, Roberto will attempt to work on personal pieces. While he’s saddened by the falloff in the amount of time he is able to devote to his art, he is happy to be able to work with great creative license whenever he feels up to it.

Roberto will be moving back to his hometown in New Jersey with his family. Although it’s wonderful that he will be there in time to spend Christmas with his relatives, it will be a difficult transition. Like many of us, Roberto loves New York City! During his time at home, his family will take great care of him and he will, of course paint when he feels well enough to do so.

Concerned artists and friends have asked what can we do to help. Levy Creative is sponsoring Roberto’s Limited Edition Print Sale at www.levycreative.com and on his website at www.robertoparada.com. Please support Roberto and the Aplastic Anemia Foundation by buying one of his limited edition gycleé prints. Each gycleé print will be signed and numbered on archival Somerset paper and most importantly a percentage of the proceeds from all sales will be donated to the Aplastic Anemia Foundation. Together with your support, we can take some pressure off of Roberto not being able to accept commissions so that he can concentrate on his health. I hope you’ll all take a moment to educate yourself on Aplastic Anemia. I’ve included a brief description below but their website is complete with further information. I’ve also included a website for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program.

For all of you who have been so extraordinary, Roberto joins me in sending our heartfelt thanks. The visits in the hospital, the gifts, the phone calls, the art, the cards – everything was so appreciated; your expressions lifted Roberto’s spirits on many occasions. I’d like to personally thank each and every one of you for your concern and generosity, but the list would be endless! That said, THANK YOU! Your friendship is priceless.Please continue to encourage, support and pray for Roberto’s full recovery and for the time when he can resume the life he lived in the place he loves the most – his studio in New York!

Best Regards,
Sari S. Levy
-March, 2004

What is Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic Anemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes & PNH can strike any person of any age, in any gender or any race, in any neighborhood anywhere in the world. In the United States, thousands of men, women and children are stricken with these non-contagious bone marrow diseases every year. They occur when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. Although all of the causes are still unknown, they have been linked to toxins and viruses that we are in contact with every day. Aplastic anemia can be traced as far back as 1888 when a famous German pathologist, Dr. Paul Ehrlich, studied the case of a pregnant woman who died of bone marrow failure. It wasn't until 1904 that this disorder was termed aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough blood cells. The bone marrow is almost empty of blood forming cells and is described as hypoplastic or aplastic (Greek for low- or no- growth). Anemia results from reduced red cell production, infections are a result of reduced white cell production, and bleeding results from reduced platelet production. It is estimated that there are approximately 1000 new cases each year in the United States.

For further information about Aplastic Anemia, please go to http://www.aplastic.org .

Donating blood or becoming a bone marrow donor:
Please go to this site for further information. The site has complete explanations on all forms of donation -- http://www.marrow.org.