At the age of 6, Xorya was bitten by a dog and received a tetanus shot. An allergic reaction to this shot permanently crippled her and resulted in mercury poisoning that rapidly shortened her predicted life span. Yet despite her worsening condition she was determined to learn and has been described by those who knew her as "an intelligent girl, full of sunshine". She met my friend Dilruba when they both attended the British School of Amsterdam in 2007 and stayed in contact even when Xorya was too weak to leave the house.
         Having seen collections of her diary entries and twitterposts since she passed away this Summer, I am proud to be raising money for someone with such an insatiable love of learning, calling herself a "nerd" as she eagerly anticipated the arrival of her first microscope. Her story and personality have inspired us to help others the way she would have done herself, had she been able.
         The auction will be held four days before what would have been her eighteenth birthday, and the money will be split between "Pause for Paws" and "Action for Sick Children" both of which were recomended by Xorya's family. We aim to celebrate her life whilst raising money for others to try and prevent them suffering in the same way as she did. From all of us organising this event thank you so much and please give as much as you can.

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