A DESPERATE North Wales couple last night warned their daughter would die if she is deported from the United States. Rachel Williams, 13, suffers from a rare sleep disorder which can stop her breathing or result in 20-second seizures hundreds of times a night without the correct treatment. The family sold their home in Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, a year ago to give their daughter a chance of life. There, sleep disorder specialists have diagnosed her condition and provided essential equipment and care. But the family's visa is about to expire and they are terrified Rachel will not survive without the advanced treatment she needs. "We are fighting like crazy and have been for 18 months," mum Debbie Williams, 44, said. "But the US authorities have no compassion, they can't even attempt to see it from our point of view. Can't they see there's a child's life at stake?" The family can no longer afford the rent on their Columbus home because they are not allowed to work, and have appealed for help. "This is an urgent case; Rachel will die if she goes back to the UK and she's terrified," Mrs Williams added. "They don't have the facilities to deal with the condition, they had never even heard of it. It will be a living nightmare. "What chance has she got?" Debbie and her husband Andrew Williams raised £11,000 to get Rachel to a US sleep disorder specialist in 2002. Their plight attracted support from prime minister Tony Blair and singer Phil Collins. US doctors were able to diagnose three disorders, apnoea, severe seizure disorder and severe narcolepsy. Rachel's complex condition means she can have dozens of violent convulsive attacks at night. She was given a machine to keep her breathing throughout the night. But specialist Dr Robert Clark claims British doctors misdiagnosed the condition on her return and were unable to correctly adjust the equipment she was given. Eight months after the Williamses returned from their trip, Rachel's condition deteriorated and they sold their home to move to the US. If deported, Rachel would have trouble getting hold of the stimulant she is prescribed, Provigil, which is not recommended for children in the UK. "It's really a tragic situation," Dr Clark said. The doctor helped find the family a place to live and has not charged them for treatment for months. Rachel's American specialists are backing the family in their legal fight with the Immigration Service. Mrs Williams said it could take months to sort out. "Our application to stay is based on Rachel's medical condition and our belief that the best available treatment for her is here in America." "Lots of people are doing all they can to help. Staff at the sleep clinic are also supporting our application. "However, it seems the Immigration Service have tightened up since the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York. We are OK, and we don't want anybody back in Wales, particularly our family, to panic. We believe we will be able to stay." Last night, a spokesman for the US Immigration Service said he could not comment on individual cases. But he added: "The United States currently issues Green Cards (work permits) to immigrants with special circumstances providing the applicant and his or her situation fits certain requirements and criteria." | 
