On January 3, 2015, there will be a an evening of jazz, drinks and canapes in the Emms Centre organised by friends of Torsie Haugli (West 2010).
Sara Williams writes: Torsie left Cranleigh in 2010 after being at both the prep and senior school. On the morning of her college graduation, Torsie was taken to the ER in Lexington, KY for severe pain and a high fever. She was then transferred to the Cleveland Clinic, where she has remained, and was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large T-Cell Lymphoma ALK Positive with Leukemic involvement. She underwent chemotherapy and was responding well enough to have her bone marrow transplant. Just days before the transplant, doctors discovered a brain tumor. She continued chemotherapy until the tumor stopped responding to treatment, and has since begun radiation.Torsie has been positive and optimistic throughout the entire proces. She has handled every obstacle with grace and has shown strength, bravery, and courage beyond compare. With a smile on her face, she has repeatedly beaten the odds and continues to fight just as hard each and every day.
Anyone who knows Torsie personally has not only been deeply impacted by her, but knows how many other lives she has impacted along the way in her short 22 years of life. So, for as much as she has done for us, extending our support through the Purple Ball is the least that we can do for such an amazing and inspirational young woman. Our support will not only benefit her, but will extend beyond her and help families everywhere to find a cure.
The amount of support Team Torsie has received is awe-inspiring and humbling. It is a true testament to Torsie and to the breadth of her positive impact on others. She is truly one of a kind, and we are so proud to be able to call her our friend.
Aside from supporting the event, which we are sure many of Torsie’s contemporaries will, the organisers are looking for raffle prizes or donations of food towards the canapes. Anyone who can help please contact Sara (sjw3g10@soton.ac.uk)