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 US$36,000
to have a life-saving transplant done at a hospital in India.
Munesh Mangal is currently on dialysis, which costs his parents close to $100,000 a week. He suffers intense body pains and headaches and his mother LeelKumarie Mangal, who is donating one of her kidneys to her son, said it is imperative that he has the operation soon as his sight has also become impaired. Because of his illness, he was forced to leave school two years ago. LeelKumarie Mangal told this newspaper that back in 1995, she was told by a doctor that one of her son's kidneys was damaged and following that he felt ill and several times. But it was not until recently, after he was hospitalised for over two months, that she learnt that both kidneys had gone bad and he would need emergency treatment. She has since been able to receive a quotation from a hospital in India hospital where the surgery could be done at a cost of US$36,000. This amount does not cover the airfares to India and other costs. The family resides at Lusignan Pasture, East Coast Demerara and could be contacted on telephone numbers: 220-9955, 653-3651 and 646-6635.
Even as the organisation struggles to make the payments, the state-owned vehicle that was loaned to the former First Lady, Mrs Varshnie Jagdeo, now Ms Singh, has since been taken back.  Thus, Ms Singh launched an appeal, yesterday, to anyone from the public who owns a spare vehicle to loan it to the Kids First Fund for a few weeks. At a press conference hosted at the National Communications Network (NCN) studio, Ms Singh revealed that the Ministry of Health never gave the promised airfare to the children. According to her, after returning from the United States on September 28 last, where an appeal for help was launched, she received a phone call from the Ministry of Health. She said she was told that the Ministry will pay for those children under the age of 18, but up until the departure date, no money was forthcoming. The children have since undergone their surgeries and have returned with a second chance to live, Ms Singh said yesterday. She, however, noted that she is still hopeful that the Health Ministry will make those payments. The hospital bill in India totalled US$65,596 but the Kids First Fund was given a US$10,000 discount. Unless the outstanding total is paid, children can no longer be taken for surgery at that institution. Some 275 children are on the Kids First Fund's waiting list for surgery, she added. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the organisation can make contributions to account number 39415 at Scotia Bank, or 7332 at the New Building Society.
Lall's wife, Rovena Moharoop 20, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle related that her husband, whom she met and married seven years ago, has been diagnosed with the deadly disease just over a year ago.  The grieving housewife
who resides with her husband at 91, Gale St. Annandale, East
Coast Demerara who is appealing for assistance from the business
community and public spirited citizens said since Mahendra's
grave illness was detected he has not shown any sign of recovery.
However, like most dedicated wives Rovena expressed optimism that her husband would recover, despite the fact that Guyana Cancer Institute has listed his condition as (stage iv B) or very critical. The mother of three children, two girls and one boy told this newpaper apart from her husband's recovery, she is hoping that Housing Minister Harrynarine Nawbatt would pay heed to her house lot application. Rovena, said she had applied about three months ago but on a recent visit to enquire about the state of affairs with her application was told by an official at the Housing Ministry that it has to be examined by the minister, which is expected to be done soon. Mrs. Lall is also calling for Human Service Minister Priya Manickchand's help for public assistance noting that to bring up her children has been an extremely tough task since her husband has been bed ridden. She said her husband, a former salesman at Survival Supermarket was the sole breadwinner of their household. His three children are Geetangale Lall, age six; Kashani age five and Kamish, one year and six months. According to Mrs. Lall, Geetangale is presently in grade one while Kashani is in her second year at nursery school. Meanwhile, the housewife expressed gratitude to Edward Beharry Group of Companies, Beacon Foundation and the public for their kind support in their difficult circumstance Documents from the Guyana Cancer Institute showed Lall has been recommended to take six cycles of 5-fluorouracil + Leucovorin Chemotherapy treatment. The institute which has also certified him for financial assistance said he has completed three of the cycles so far. Persons interested in assisting the Lall's family can do so by making a deposit of any amount at the Demerara Bank on Account number 1218718 or Republic Bank on Account number 1760362. Or by contacting Mrs. Lall on telephone numbers 646 5201 or 644 1945
Mangal's two kidneys are damaged beyond repair, and unless he gets a replacement, his chances of survival for another year remain slim, doctors say. Already, Mangal has lost 90% of his sight and can only go to the bathroom if he gets help. Yesterday single-parent Leelkumarie Mangal said she is willing to give one of her kidneys if it means her son - one of two children - will have a chance at life. But like so many others in Guyana , money to undergo the expensive operation in India is a major obstacle. Mangal, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, started experiencing pains when he was a mere seven years old. And last year, a medical check revealed a mother's worst fear: Mangal kidneys were not functioning properly. This year, things started going downhill rapidly and the teenager was in and out of hospital. He recently spent two months there. Time is running out fast for the lad. "I went to see the First Lady to see if she could help. But they tell us that she is out of the country, and we not sure when she will come back," said the mother yesterday. The Ministry of Health is standing the cost for 10 dialysis treatments. With each visit to the dialysis clinic costing the family a significant sum, Mangal's family still has to pay a substantial part of the cash. Already, six of the 10 treatments have been completed. "I am now down to my last dollar," said the mother yesterday. Although the teen's relatives have chipped in, the little money the mother had saved or raised is fast disappearing. Dialysis treatments are only a temporary solution. With the time fast approaching when the kidneys are expected to stop functioning altogether, the family is in a race to get money for the operation. "I am just asking people to help. Anybody any businesses. Anything will do. I want my son to live," the mother besought. The family has an account at GBTI, # SIE A753156, where donations can be made. Anyone interested in assisting can also call telephone # 220-9955, 646-6635 or 653-3651.
After receiving prolonged treatment from the local dialysis centre for almost one year, Mahamad had sought alternative medical attention in India at the Colombia Asia Hospital . Leaving for India around August this year, Mahamad was immediately admitted to the hospital but after more than two months on the waiting list, she was reportedly discharged since the hospital was somehow forced to abort the scheduled operation. Acting on information provided by close family, friends and doctors, Mahamad has begun the pursuit of yet another avenue, this time in Pakistan. Though this avenue is evidently more reliable than the other, the price attached is surprisingly much more than the family has anticipated - an estimated US$20,000. Not deterred by this sum, the Mahamad family is driven by quest to their mother in their lives. Raising about US$5000 thus far through telethons and contributions from Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall and owner of Guyana Stores Limited Tony Yassin, the family has received a boost but is still lagging by about US$15,000. As such, they are seeking the assistance of the general populace. Mahamad was diagnosed around mid September last year, when she started experiencing severe swelling in both her legs, and was admitted to the Balwant Singh Hospital . Subsequent to the admission, the family was reportedly informed that both of the woman's kidneys had ceased to function, and she required immediate dialysis treatment. This treatment was started in a Trinidadian hospital, but due to the high costs was continued in Guyana to the tune of approximately $37,000 per treatment, which was required about three times per week. A telethon was held as recent as last Friday on MTV Channel 65, by the woman's 19-year-old daughter Wazlima Mahamad, where the family managed to raise approximately $700,000 in pledges and has so far collected roughly $500,000. Another telethon is carded for tomorrow on NTN Channel 69 from 20:30 hrs to 22:30hrs. Persons interested in making monetary contributions and those interested in finding out more about the woman's condition can contact telephone numbers 627-5927, 696-0000, 695-2235, 686-5247, and 696-8888. Those interested in making contributions through the bank can do so at the Demerara Bank Limited to account number 1220391. sNazlima Mahamad is currently in Pakistan with her son who is handling the financial and other arrangements, as she awaits her kidney transplant surgery.
 When Reena suddenly
collapsed seven years ago and was rushed to hospital she and
her family were given the devastating news that her kidneys were
failing. Since then life had progressed fairly okay as she went
to the clinic, got medication and was able to care for her husband
and son. Two months ago her life changed again when she took a turn for the worse as the condition of her kidneys deteriorated. The young mother is now wheel-chair bound, and gets exhausted easily. Reena's husband of eight years, Fazil, who was working as a computer technician, quit his job to help her. Fazil told Stabroek News on Tuesday that his wife's condition was diagnosed as chronic renal failure and because of its progression she needs dialysis treatment urgently. Dialysis is a medical procedure that uses a machine to filter waste products from the bloodstream and restore the blood's normal constituents, a function which a healthy kidney performs. He said that Reena had been in and out of hospital recently and that her condition is deteriorating. Fazil said over the past months he has been going around seeking help as the cost of treatment is expensive. Fazil said that the cost of the initial treatment is $215, 000 then his wife would need to access the treatment twice per week at a cost of $36, 050 per session. Fazil said his wife needs the treatment urgently. "She needs to be on dialysis," he declared. The couple is appealing for help in accessing the treatment. Fazil said that the Ministry of Health has pledged to fund 10 of the dialysis sessions but he would have to do the rest. He also said that he has looked at the cost of a kidney transplant and the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, India had quoted a price of US$18,500 for a ten-day stay in the hospital, the surgery and medication. He said that for now, his wife urgently needs the dialysis as her condition is worsening. "It's getting so severe, I don't want it to end up at the stage when she could collapse and leave me," he said. Anyone willing to help the couple can call 683-9861 or 227-4167 or can donate directly to their Citizens Bank account number 218334826.
And her mother Indira Mahadeo has found out that her daughter will have to undergo hip replacement surgery or she may never be able to walk again.  Tohamwattie had undergone a series of
tests in the past before she was diagnosed with having Fibrous
Dysplasia, a chronic condition of the skeleton where a portion
of a bone develops abnormally. The condition usually begins before
birth causing weakened bones which result in severe pain which
cracks the bone, and may lead to deformity. Her left leg bears large stitches from the knee to her stomach and another set of stitches from surgery run under her stomach in the vicinity of her pelvic bone. The surgery was done to remove the broken bone inside the leg which was replaced by steel. Cries of pain Mahadeo told Stabroek News that her daughter's cries of pain are increasing daily and now the child does not even get to sleep. With tears in her eyes the woman told Stabroek News that she was getting frustrated at every thought that her daughter may not be able to walk again and was perturbed too at the fact that at first she was told that the child needed chemotherapy and now the thought of the hip replacement surgery was frightening. She said that in order to put the steel in her daughter's leg the doctor had to make the incisions, the very parts which now cause the teen severe pain. The woman said she has still not heard from the Ministry of Health but a doctor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital has promised to assist her with taking the right path. According to her, other arrangements are now being made to take the child to either the United States or China to undergo the hip replacement surgery. Meanwhile, the single mother said she has already started receiving phone calls from persons willing to assist in funding the travel and meeting other expenses to be incurred. Indira could be contacted on telephone number 254 - 0217 and any donations could be sent to Republic Bank Account Number 767.704.0.
Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic condition of the skeleton where a portion of a bone develops abnormally. The condition begins before birth. Indira Mahadeo, the girl's mother, told Kaieteur News that she has approached the Ministry of Health for assistance and is awaiting a response. According to her, the Ministry is waiting on an invoice from Trinidad and Tobago to determine the cost and where the teenager will have to go for the surgery. However, according to Mahadeo, it has been some time since that request was made. The teenager underwent surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation but it was unsuccessful. An account has been opened at the Republic Bank for persons who are desirous of assisting the teenager. The account number is 767704-0. Persons can also contact the family on telephone numbers 254-0127 or 646-8002.
 Born
with Peter's Anomaly, a condition that affects vision and can
result in blindness, Nathan was born unable to see anything but
light and has undergone one surgery to correct this defect. He is scheduled for a second surgery, a cornea transplant, which will enable him to see for the first time. The surgery is to be performed at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute in Boston, Massachusetts but finances are standing in the way. Recently, a shy Kery-Ann Lewis, Nathan's mother appealed for assistance in footing the bill for a portion of the costs. "A foundation in the United States will cover the costs for the surgery," she said, "But we have to pay for the airline tickets and accommodations." The surgery is scheduled for August 31 with a five to six month recovery time, to be spent in Boston at the family's cost. A fund to assist the family is set up at The Bank of Nova Scotia, Broad Street, account number 1000980, under the name Nathan Lewis. Described by his mother as active and well spoken, Nathan also suffers from a hole in the heart and fluid on the brain. The hole is expected to close on its own, while treatment for the fluid on the brain has been put on hold for now. Entertainer Mark Lord who pledged support for the family after seeing a segment featuring them on CBC news, appealed to "any business to help. Put money in an account to help. "Sometimes there are people in need. I never thought I would and I got help, and I appreciate it."
Deokawattie Bharrat of Conservancy Dam, Canal Number 2, West Bank Demerara, and her relatives are hoping and praying in earnest that the corporate community and other civic minded persons can continue to chip in to help make it possible for her to have this life saving surgical intervention. Unless this is done, the young mother, now facing a grim future, must be prepared to continue to pay the cost of about $.75 million per month for her to continue living on dialysis. Four years ago, Deokawattie who fell from the top of a stairway when she was just four years old, was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. An ultra sound of the abdomen at 22, revealed that she had bilateral shrunken kidneys. That condition, according to her doctors "has now degenerated into ESRD, and is in need of urgent renal replacement therapy", meaning that both her kidneys have shut down, and she needs to have a kidney transplant done without delay. Whilst finding a replacement for a damaged kidney is no easy task, Deokawattie has already found a donor her 27-year-old sister, Rookmin Dilip who also lives at the Boerasirie Conservancy Dam. Rookmin, out of love for her sister, even after having been counselled and briefed on the implications for the donor, has willingly agreed to give up one of her kidneys in order to save the life of her younger sister. She has already had all the necessary tests done, and has been rated as a safe and compatible donor for Deokawattie. Account numbers given are: GBTI: 51BB573953 and Republic Bank: 765-493-2.
Today, nine-year-old Danielle Harriott, who was diagnosed with bone marrow aplasia, a condition which makes her prone to life-threatening bleeding, is unable to walk and do the things that once made her happy. As a result of her condition, Danielle is anaemic, she bleeds through her nose and eyes, gets high fever and is unable to speak properly. Danielle's condition is difficult to treat and the treatment is not available locally. As such, her mother, Cassandra Christopher, is making an urgent plea to the nation to assist her daughter who is desperately in need of surgery, which will cost about J$6 million. Currently unemployed The public has already given the family $400,000 but Ms. Christopher, whois currently unemployed as a result of her daughter's condition, believes that through this medium, the public may dig deeper into their pockets to assist. Her daughter was diagnosed with the illness in March and has since been hospitalised at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. "I am begging Jamaica to help my daughter to do this surgery so she can come home because every time she says she wants to come home," said Ms. Christopher. "The other day mi drop down because mi caan believe this would happen to mi daughter," said a tearful Ms. Christopher, adding that every time she passes Danielle's school - Dunrobin Primary - she cries. Ms. Christopher, who spends most nights and days with her daughter at the hospital, says Danielle is very worried about her illness. "The other day she asked, if she go to sleep if she will wake up," said Ms. Christopher. The eldest of four children, Danielle helps her 31-year-old mother to read. Persons who would like to assist her, can make payments to Danielle Harriott, Jamaica National Building Society account number 10588930
On July 22, 2004, I was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after being diagnosed with an injury to the T-8 vertebra of my spine. An MRI scan in Trinidad was recommended before surgery but because of financial and logistical constraints I was unable to get that scan. Surgery was then performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after which I was discharged on August 19, 2004. From the date of discharge to now, I have been in a constant battle to acquire financial assistance form the Ministry of Health, CIOG Kids First Funds and other relevant agencies whom I have approached and written to for help. Specifically, I was taken through a lengthy and frustrating period with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to secure Industrial Benefit, only to be compensated with Sickness Benefit. That is, I received 50% instead of 100% compensation albeit suffering injury on the job-a fact attested to by my employer. Moreover, other than the US$500 which I was given to help defray expenses on my aborted trip to Trinidad, my employer has not offered me any other help or compensation. I was the sole breadwinner in my house and now that I am confined to a wheelchair for the past 4 years without any means of income, and my savings are about depleted, I am left to contend with daily household, medical and therapeutic expenses. I am more or less impoverished now. I met with His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo 3 times on the Essequibo Coast and he promised me faithfully that he will make sure that I received my overseas medical corrective surgery in Cuba but to date I have had a royal push around with all his advisers who he left to look after my matter. The last Minister who visited me at my home was Cde Clement Rohee on the cabinet outreach programme before the General and Regional Elections, he too has forgotten to look after my matter. All my medical records were sent to Cuba and India for an evaluation of my present medical conditions and it was recommended that I undergo corrective surgery at a cost of US$15,000. My son who is in Bermuda managed to raise US$7000 of the required sum for my surgery I am now appealing to members of the public or the Ministry of Health to kindly assist me to raise the required sum of US$8000 more. My telephone number is -771-4256. Account No-584-2323 --Mohamed Khan, Guyana
Maria suffers from pulmonary atresia (PA), a congenital (present at birth) defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the foetal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. She underwent her first surgery when she was one year old. Usually, infants with PA have several operations. Through many barbecues and stamped donation sheets Maria's parents, Maggie and Wayne Yearwood were successful in raising funds for her first operation. In 1998 DiMaggio's Children's Hospital in Florida, USA, did the operation and placed a temporary shunt in Maria's heart. A shunt is a small tube put in to give more blood to the lungs so the infant will have more oxygen-rich blood. Maria's parents said: "We need a lot more help to save our baby now. It is time to remove the shunt and replace it with a bigger tube. Her vessels have grown big enough to accommodate the permanent valve, and the hole needs to be patched. We were turned down by both the Stony Brook Hospital in long Island and the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada." The father continued: "Both hospitals were not familiar with the surgical procedures and chose not to do it because it's a high risk." The Arkansas Children's Hospital in the US has offered to do the two part surgery at a total cost of US$203,883. It is a requirement that the amount be paid in full before surgery. Asked about a reduced cost hospital officials told the Express that due to the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act laws, they were unable to discuss the case and would pass the information to the proper authorities. The Social Department in Mt Hope hospital said they are aware of Maria's situation but were also unable to discuss the case. With time against them, Maria's parents are asking the public to help them acquire the money needed. An account at Scotia Bank, Western Main Road, St James has been set up to collect donations towards her surgery. (St James Branch #800806). The family can be contacted at 492-8307, 622-8842.
"I think I will die," she whispered.  Thompson, 29 years
old, needs urgent heart surgery. She has congenital heart disease,
and in addition, needs to have a leaking valve replaced. Her older sister, Marcia Braham, who is a phlebotomist, has been her guardian since she was about nine years old. It was at about this age that Thompson was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and told that she would eventually have heart-related problems. "Last year, she got a stroke. She could not talk and her entire right side was dead. She was admitted to Spauldings Hospital, and then transferred to Mandeville. She spent over one month in the hospital. Since then, she has been having shortness of breadth and getting weaker," said Braham. Regaining composure Regaining her composure, Thompson, a mother of two, said that after the birth of her first child, the doctors advised her not to have any more children. "After my second child, who is is just one year and six months, my heart got worse; right now I can hardly do anything," she said. "One of my co-workers suggested I take my sister to see Dr. William Foster in Kingston. He immediately did an ECG and echocardiogram which showed that my sister's heart was very bad, that the valves, both left and right were closing, and that the right one was leaking," Braham related. "He was shocked she had not seen a specialist before," Braham related. The diagnosis has the two sisters in a tailspin. Having paid over $18,000 for the tests, Braham said they are out of money. On Dr. Foster's waiting list to get medical assistance abroad, they are optimistic. "Dr. Foster has assured us that he is trying his best to find a facility that will do my sister's surgery for free. In the meantime, we are trying to get U.S. visas so we'll be ready as soon as he can finalise arrangements. "We are buying time right now, because my sister's heart is swollen and it is only blood thinning medication that is keeping her alive," said Braham.
Maharaj, originally from Couva, has been living in Mississauga, Canada, for the past 14 years with her husband Puran and two children ages 18 and 20. She began experiencing renal failure in both kidneys ten years ago and lost kidney function in 2003. She has been going for dialysis three times a week. In an interview with Sunday Newsday from her home in Canada, Maharaj said she is trying to find a donor in TT because for the last three years she has been on a waiting list and her condition has recently worsened. "I am trying because the waiting time is much longer (in Canada). Plus it would be easier to get a match (in TT)," she said. Her blood type is AB. Maharaj's renal failure occurred because of high blood pressure. This chronic disease and diabetes runs in her family and eliminates them as donors. Her husband cannot donate as he has high blood pressure. She said donors must be "healthy enough to donate." She expects to get a "transplant" quicker in Trinidad than wait for years in Canada. Newspaper advertisements highlight her appeal. She is an auditor with a plastic company. "It is hard to work because of tiredness. It affects your entire family, everything - the stress." She said people who are willing to assist can contact her via email at puran8@msn.com. Earlier this month, Health Minister John Rahael launched the National Organ Donor Programme at Crowne Plaza. He said the donor programme would bring relief to people who have end stage renal failure and approximately 400 people were having dialysis at public health facilities. He said there were "several unlisted others" who "in a couple of months" would experience kidney failure. The donor programme recently started a sensitisation programme about donating kidneys and corneas. Nine kidney transplant surgeries took place last year under the national organ transplant programme.
The Haitian-Americans United for Progress, Inc. (HAUP) is seeking your help. In order to raise funds to support improvements to its Community Center, your financial support is desperately needed. HAUP wants to continue providing valuable services to the community and remain viable. Due to the number of people that we serve annually, our Community Center no longer has the capacity to house all of the programs we provide. Funds raised from our Capital Campaign will support the expansion of our building. This will enable us to increase the number of people served as well as increase the number of the programs we provide for the community. Founded in 1975 by members of the community, HAUP is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for immigrants by delivering education, training, culture and other support services to ensure the smooth transition of immigrants into the main stream of life in the United States. We bridge the language and cultural gap by providing a Community Center which houses immigration assistance services and various other programs for children and adults. HAUP serves approximately 15,000 individuals annually throughout the New York Tri-State area. We are constantly developing new and innovative programs as well as strategic collaborations with other community organizations to share resources, information, experiences and skills to better serve the community. HAUP's survival depends on your continuous participation. Please complete and return the attached form at your earliest convenience. Your contribution is tax-deductible and may be sent to us in one lump sum or in monthly installments. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the community, we thank you for your anticipated support and participation in this Capital Campaign. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our Executive Director, Elsie Accilien at 718-527-3776 ext. 14. Sincerely, Yves-Merry Telemaque
needed for the surgery in Trinidad. "She is sitting at home wasting away and all the places her brother and I have approached are not giving any assistance," Valerie Sharpe of the Regional Welfare & Women's Affairs Committee, Region 10, told Stabroek News yesterday. The welfare committee is assisting the woman and her family in raising money for her surgery. She said so far they have only managed to raise about US$1,000, a far cry from the money Maureen Mohabir needs to save her life. Her relatives had told Stabroek News that the Ministry of Health had been approached and while promises were made for assistance to be given this has not yet been verified and they would still have to raise funds on their own. Sharpe said that most of the companies approached, except for one, have indicated that they cannot give any financial assistance but should there be a fundraising activity they would assist with some free products. She said one religious body that was approached told them that their medical board had informed them that the surgery can be done in Guyana. She said she has since written the body and asked for assistance in identifying the medical practitioner who can do the surgery but no response has been forthcoming. She pointed out that Mohabir has been suffering from the disease for sometime and she went from doctor to doctor but all were unable to identify her ailment. It was last year that a local doctor made some preliminary findings and the woman went to Trinidad to have it verified and a doctor there confirmed that she was suffering from Cushing's syndrome. "If the surgery could be done here we would be happy because all she wants is help to live. But it is surprising that even the Ministry of Health did not indicate that the surgery could be done in Guyana," Sharpe pointed out. She said one of the woman's brothers who has been at the forefront of the fight to get the money for the woman has now run into some problems with his place of employment, putting the family into an even more difficult situation. Sharpe is appealing to Guyanese here and overseas to hear the woman's cry and answer it so that she could receive the help she needs. Mohabir has severe swelling, a symptom of the disease, and she is in constant pain. Persons wishing to help Mohabir can do so by placing donations in the Republic Bank account, a/c#516-773-9 which is in the name of the Regional Women's Affairs Committee. Persons can also contact Sharpe on telephone numbers 444-6058 or 444-3048 or the woman's family on telephone numbers, 444-4214 and 444-2089 Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes called "hypercortisolism," it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults ages 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 persons in every million are affected each year. Symptoms vary, but most people have upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs. Children tend to be obese with slowed growth rates. Other symptoms appear in the skin, which becomes fragile and thin. It bruises easily and heals poorly. Purplish pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts. The bones are weakened and routine activities such as bending, lifting or rising from a chair may lead to backaches, rib and spinal column fractures.
According to them, the startling reality was revealed when the infant was only eight days old, and taken for a regular health check at St Joseph Mercy Hospital . There, little Nathan Tulloch was examined by Dr. Rohan Jabour, and it was discovered that he had a hole in his heart. By the time he was four months old, he began to experience difficulty in breathing, due to his condition, and relatives, who were praying for a miracle, panicked even more. They said that they were unable to accumulate funds for an operation and hoped for the Creator to perform a miracle. Subsequently, Nathan's condition worsened considerably, sending relatives in a frenzied search to acquire funds for a heart operation in Trinidad . They are still clinging desperately to the hope that, as has happened in rare cases, the infant outgrows this condition, as they were told is possible by one medical practitioner. On February 13, the infant and his mother, Alana George, winged out to Trinidad for further diagnostic tests while a disconsolate and grief-stricken father, Germain Tulloch, watched helplessly. The troubles of the parents increased when doctors in Trinidad made the gruesome discovery that the child had two holes in the heart chamber, instead of the one previously discovered. They were informed by Trinidadian medical sources that a larger hole was causing the heart to pump blood into the lungs, resulting in even more severe complications. That was only the beginning of their despair. The relatives learned that corrective surgery for the infant would cost between some US$20,000 and US$25,000. With no other hope of garnering the desperately needed finance, the baby's father and aunt, Fiona Tulloch, began the long search for public financial assistance. The infant underwent another test on Friday in Trinidad to determine the size of the holes in the heart, and according to relatives, will have to undergo the surgery at least a week after. Trinidadian doctors have related that there is a risk involved if little Nathan is to undergo corrective surgery, since he is just six months old. However, relatives have no other choice. "I love my child; he means the world to me. He deserves the right to live. He is an innocent infant. But what can I do? It's impossible to come up with that kind of money to save his life", the father lamented yesterday. The failure to have the operation can result in the baby's demise. Yesterday, Giftland OfficeMax, which has already made a donation towards the child's recovery, placed an advertisement in this newspaper, which appeals to the business society to help save the child's life. Sympathetic persons can make donations to Scotiabank account # 10012665 or contact Fiona on telephone number 231-5513 or 646-4939.
 For seven-year-old
Chevanese Clayton, the sky was always blue, the grass green and
the rainbow the prettiest flag in the sky. However, her world
faded on November 30, 2006, as, while playing with schoolmates
at the McIntosh Memorial Primary School in Williamsfield, a ball
was thrown that hit her in the left eye. Grimacing from pain,
she was packed and sent home with a note to her parents Heather
and Stafford Clayton. Within a short time, despite her parents' best efforts and numerous consultations with doctors, Chevanese lost sight in her left eye. Her parents have so far received no assistance from the Ministry of Education and Youth while their financial situation is now desperate. When contacted, the local representative of the Education Ministry refused to comment on the matter. Mrs. Clayton, while holding back the tears, said she has been advised by her doctors that Chevanese will soon lose sight in her right eye, rendering her totally blind if she does not undergo an operation to relieve the mounting pressure on that eye. Nowhere to turn With nowhere to turn for help, the parents are hoping that a generous Jamaican public will hear their plight and come to their daughter's assistance. One businessman, Lennie Moulton of Mandeville Cash and Carry Supermarket, has already given some financial assistance and is hopeful that other persons will offer additional assistance. Chevanese's parents can be reached at 876-466-9892 for more information
September 4th 2006, Port of Spain, T&T: First he had restless nights. Then upset stomachs and severe abdominal pains. And then he started vomiting blood. Before he fell ill, Dhanrajh Persad had frequented the gym and had led a fairly active lifestyle, so that when he suddenly got sick, he could not understand why - neither could his parents. Dhanrajh was first hospitalised at the Sangre Grande Hospital and was later transferred by ambulance to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where he underwent more medical examination as doctors tried to determined what was wrong with him. The results were not good; he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver of unknown etiology. Cirrhosis of the liver is characterised by hardening of the liver as a result of damage to the liver cells over years. It can ultimately lead to liver failure. The disease is most commonly caused by excessive intake of alcohol, but Dhanrajh knew to himself that he never abused alcohol and would only drink occasionally, like around Christmas time, so he was taken aback with his diagnosis.  Doctors informed him that the damage to his liver could not be reversed or treated and his only option was to have a liver transplant, which may help prolong his life. In the months following, Dhanrajh began losing weight, dropping from 187 pounds to 123 pounds. He now experiences severe back pains, severe cramps and abdominal pains and still has restless, sleepless nights. His illness forced him to change his diet and lifestyle completely -no salty or spicy foods, no meat, no curry eat lots of vegetables, his doctor advised him. Dhanrajh spends up to $800 monthly for various medications he must take on a daily basis, which among other things, helps him to pass out fluid that his body retains and "thins" his blood so that it does not clot and cause complications. He feels exhausted all the time and cannot walk or do anything without feeling tired. His illness has also forced him to lay off his job as an estate constable. He is currently on extended sick leave. However, the liver transplant he must undergo and which would likely help him to lead a normal life again would cost approximately US$90,000 - money he and his family do not have. The procedure is to be done at a transplant centre in Argentina. From since 2004, the year he was diagnosed with his condition, Dhanrajh and his close relatives have embarked on several fund-raising ventures. Although being considerably successful, the ventures have brought them no where near the US$90,000 figure. Dhanrajh, 34, is now appealing to the public to help him raise the funds so he can undergo his operation in the soonest possible time. "We are still a long way off from the target," he told the Express. "There are a lot of people who have contributed so far and we appreciate it very much but we still need help. I'm asking if you all can help us raise this money." He said he has already found a donor and it was now left up to his family to raise the necessary funds. "My brother has the same blood type and he has agreed to give me a portion of his liver. What we have to do now is get the money. The doctor told me that based on condition of my liver, they are giving it about two years. I'm almost to the end of the second year. The doctor said I should try and get the operation done before the liver gets worst." Dhanrajh, a resident of Sangre Grande, said he believes that once his operation was successful he would be able to lead a normal life again. He said young Akil Wilson, who was diagnosed with cirrhosis and portal hypertension of the liver last year and was now healthy and doing well after undergoing his liver transplant operation in Argentina last year, have also given him renewed hope. "Seeing him alive has given me hope. When he left here he was in a real bad condition and to see that he went and get his transplant done and is now back and doing well, he is an inspiration to me," Dhanrajh said. Akil had shot into the spotlight last year after his mother, Sharon Wilson, a housewife, came forward with a public plea for help to raise $3 million so he could undergo the life-saving transplant operation in Argentina. Dhanrajh said that he had kept his fingers "crossed" for Akil when he learned that he was finally able to go to Argentina for his operation. The Universitario Austral Hospital in Argentina, which his family had located, had agreed to treat him and defer payment of US$300,000 for the operation. "I thought to myself that if his surgery was successful, then maybe mine could be successful as well," Dhanrajh said. "I kept my fingers crossed for him and when he pulled through I felt happy for him and for myself." Dhanrajh's mother and father, who had accompanied him to Express House, Port of Spain, said they wanted nothing more than to see their son back to his old self again. "He was so very active ," Leela Persad said of her son, the eldest of four children. "He was always in gym. He would go camping and fishing but most of the things he used to do he can't do them anymore," she said. "It is not easy seeing him in this condition. I myself have sleepless nights. I shed a lot of tears behind closed doors because I don't want him to see me crying because I know it will bring him down. We love him and we want him to have a full life. I would be so happy if he gets his operations but we really need the help to raise the money." Dhanrajh's father, Parmanan, said the family has had to foot the cost for his son's medical bills and this was quite challenging. He also said that the drugs his son uses were not covered under Government's Chronic Disease Assistant Programme (CDAP). In the interim, the younger Dhanrajh longs for a proper night sleep. He says since falling ill he continues to have restless, sleepless nights. "I always feel so exhausted but still I can't sleep properly. I am awake at all hours in the night. When I think I'm resting I get up and still feel tired. Walking from there to here will tire me out." Dhanrajh said he wants to be himself again and feels the public could help make this happen by donating funds which would help him pay for his life-saving liver transplant operation. Anyone wishing to donate funds can do so at any Royal Bank branch where an account has been set up in Dhanrajh's name :0217152230, or at the Hindu Credit Union: 161  035. Persons can also contact the
family at 668-1436/ 751-7437.
Loved ones describe Stephen as a fighter and have now turned to the public for whatever assistance they can give. Lisa's struggle continues to increase as her health worsens. Presently, calcium deposits have rendered her immobile and she has been restricted to her home since January this year. Her mother has been helping in whatever way she can, carrying to Stephen her dialysis treatments three times a week. Stephen's circumstances have hindered her working life and this has come at a great loss to her as she was the only breadwinner in her household. She awaits, hoping that donations from the public will assist in covering the cost of her US$100,000 medical surgery and intervention. All donations to this cause can be made to account number 414242 at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Trinidad & Tobago. |