Mia Farrow asked by doctor to stop fast.
I have been instructed by my doctor to stop my fast immediately, due to serious health concerns—including possible seizures at any time. I am fortunate. The women, children, and men I am fasting for do not have that option.
When beginning this fast, 12 days ago, I said that when I could go no longer, I prayed another would take my place, and another, and another, until the expelled humanitarian agencies are readmitted and there is finally justice and peace for the people of Darfur. Hundreds people around the world have joined me in fasting, and I am humbled by the outpour of support for the cause and mission of this fast.
Richard Branson, when hearing of my health situation, immediately said, “Stop. I have started fasting.”
– Mia Farrow
Sir Richard Branson steps in to take over.
Richard Branson — Darfur Fast for Life
May 8, 2009
Mia Farrow has long been committed to the people of Darfur. Over the last 12 days she has been fasting on only water in order to raise awareness for the horrible crisis unfolding in Darfur with the removal of 13 international aid agencies. Mia’s health has taken a downturn over the last couple days and her doctor has asked her to stop immediately. Richard Branson had been asked by Mia to take over the fast starting next week, but he has also now asked Mia to stop and he is going to start his three day fast today to continue to ask world leaders to take immediate action and demand that international aid is restored.
Richard Branson stated; “I’m honoured to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur. Over a year and a half ago, I travelled to Darfur and was horrified by the stories that people of all ages shared with us. Young children had watched their entire family get killed and then had to survive on their own in unimaginable conditions. I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organisations that were working on the frontlines. Now, with 13 aid organisations expelled from the country, over 1m people are at grave risk. We cannot stand and watch as 1m people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace.”
The following is a statement from the thousands of people who have joined Mia and others in this fast.
We fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur because they do not have a choice. We fast as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has allowed the suffering of millions of innocent people. We fast because as we simply watched, Darfur’s defenseless people were forced into wretched camps where today they are facing starvation and disease. We fast because those in positions of authority who know what is right and just, could and should do more to alleviate their suffering and bring peace, protection, and justice to the people of Sudan.
We fast for Darfur’s courageous people —because we yearn for a world where human rights are respected and a life of dignity is the legacy for every man, woman and child.
Please join us and get involved in supporting the people of Darfur by going to www.fastdarfur.org and taking action.
I have been a fan of this man for over 2 decades now. Now I really know why. Thank YOU Sir for undertaking this!
1Thank you Mia, and thank YOU to the Oregon Group and everyone affiliated with this!
BLESSINGS!
I thank Richard for his heart and for stepping in to take over for Mia! I am grateful to Mia for initiating this fast. The awareness and action that has been created by this event inspires me each day.
Unlike Mia, I am on day 12 of the fast and am feeling really good. I wish Mia immediate good health.
This fast has given me the opportunity to speak to people about the Darfur situation and inspire them to take action using my existing business tools. At the last minute, I changed the topic of my monthly business newsletter and wrote about Darfur, challenging people to take action. During the past 12 days I’ve attended many business luncheons, dinners, and networking events. Not eating gives me opportunity to speak to a table full of people at once. My social networking tools are helping me educate, inform,and inspire. From the feedback I get, I know it’s working.
I am grateful to have been inspired to join this fast by fellow coach and friend, Vicky Trabosh, who is also doing it. She blogs daily and provides lots of good resources you can use http://www.victoriatrabosh.com/blog . The organization she founded and the difference she has already made in Rwanda continually insires me http://www.itafari.org .
2I send my deepest gratitude to Mia for her courage and leadership in this fast that has inspired so many. And I acknowledge her for honoring her own needs so that she can continue to hold a light for the people of Darfur. Thank you to Richard Branson for joining this important movement. May this effort continue to grow in solidarity with the people of Darfur. And may those who hear of the fast and consider sacrificing even a single meal, may their hearts and minds help expand the collective conscience of the urgent need for action to end the crisis in Darfur.
3Thank you Mia, Richard, and all who fast, this is one world. Love Laura
4Mia, Many thanks for your example and endurance. I fasted in solidarity for four days - water only - and then tried to follow it with the rations fast. I could only manage one day on rations. I was not able to think clearly and function at work. My children (and husband) were very supportive and encouraging (my husband for the wrong reasons!) We think of you daily and, in turn, think of the women and children in Darfur, daily. I hope that the continued attention you and Mr. Branson give will be a rally cry for many others. As the fast continues I would commit again. Please be careful…but again, thank you.
5I hope the whole world can stop this Holocaust.
6