City water critical for local cancer patient
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

"I was thirsty and you gave me drink," a simple scripture from the Bible describing how people help each other could be the theme of a plea that area churches shared with their congregations in the past month.

A letter was sent to churches asking them to help a local family in need of obtaining quality water for their son, who has undergone a bone marrow transplant and cannot tolerate the present well water the family has. The well water was tested and found to be contaminated.

Daniel Jachimiak, 17, of Versailles, has a rare form of Leukemia (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia CML) and has been in and out of Riley Hospital in Indianapolis since the summer when he had a bone marrow transplant. A letter from his doctor, Paul R. Haut, M.D. says, "He has had multiple complications following his transplant and has required a prolonged hospitalization." That letter, dated September 13, went on to read, "Despite many medical setbacks, Daniel is on the road to recovery and will hopefully be able to return home in the next few weeks to a month."

However, the doctor outlined the great risk for serious complications at hand and noted, "It is imperative that Daniel have access to a safe home environment...in particular a clean water source, free of bacterial and parasitic contaminants is of the utmost importance." Daniel's compromised immune system cannot tolerate even the smallest form of bacteria, making it impossible for him to use the well water in any way.

Knowing this, Daniel's parents, Pete and Angie Jachimiak, are mak
ing strides to have city water installed at their rural Versailles home. However, that hasn't been an easy feat. First, a conflict with an adjoining landowner has caused them to have to spend additional money - money they simply do not have. What should be a simple process is now complicated due to not being able to obtain an easement to lay the water line. They have struggled to keep afloat during the past year as they have spent endless hours at the hospital and caring for their son.

Right now the family stays in Indianapolis through the week where Daniel has to undergo extensive medical treatments. "He (Daniel) isn't hospitalized right now, but we have to be right by the hospital," stated his mother. They are presently able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, which Angie describes as a "blessing." "We were staying at a hotel before we came here," she noted in a telephone interview last week.

Barbara Jachimiak, grandmother of Daniel, noted that since he was diagnosed over a year ago, the family has been strong and Daniel's spirits high as he battles this rare of cancer. Pete still reports to his job, and Angie has taken a medical leave of absence for now, she said. The family could be described as "quiet, unassuming," with a faith in God that their son will come through and the sun will shine again. "We appreciate so much what everyone has already done, we just couldn't ask for more," Barbara noted.

Their doctor has outlined their need for city water to be installed and noted in his letter that this family has made many "emotional, physical, and financial sacrifices during this very trying period of time."

When Linda Tieman of the Holton Water Company heard about their plight, she immediately swung into action and began to make contacts. She sent letters to area churches asking for their help. "I just didn't know what else to do. These people really need the help and this is where we as Christians help those in need," she noted.

Tieman said that it will take several thousand dollars for clean water
to be piped into the Jachimiak's home.

On Wednesday, October 13, Tieman reported having received $969.00 in the Daniel Jachimiak Fund. "They need more, but this is so encouraging," she noted.

Tieman said a special fund has been set up at the Holton Branch of the Napoleon State Bank, in Daniel's name and anyone wanting to contribute may do so there directly. Also, contributions may be made to the Holton Water Company at 2872 US 50, Holton, IN 47023.