Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
A close-up of Shanel Cooper's left leg. Her mother is seeking assistance from the public to fund a US$44,000 (approximately J$2.9 million) surgery to be conducted in the United States. - NOEL THOMPSON/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
UNEMPLOYED AND cash-strapped, a distraught Rhona Isaacs is making an urgent appeal to the public to assist her two-year-old daughter who needs surgery to remove a large tumour from her left leg.
Ms. Isaacs of Glendevon, St. James, is very worried that her daughter, Shanel Cooper, may not live very long if she does not get help quickly.
Shanel requires surgery to avoid amputation, as well as to prevent the tumor from spreading to other parts of her body.
"Doctors at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay say I will need US$44,000 (approximately J$2.9 million) to cover the costs for the surgery to be done in the United States," Ms. Isaacs told The Gleaner. "I don't have any money and I do not know where to find that kind of money. I am unemployed presently."
Ms. Isaacs explained she woke up on Christmas morning last year and discovered an unusual bulge on her daughter's leg. Without hesitating, she took her to the CRH, but after a series of examinations and tests, results were inconclusive.
"I had a strong feeling that something was definitely wrong," she said. "I was not satisfied with the (initial) results so I sought a second opinion from the doctors at the Roman Catholic Hope Clinic."
Further tests were carried out and the diagnosis was made.
DESPERATE FOR HELP
With her daughter's health worsening, Ms. Isaacs has chosen to remain at home to care for her.
"The leg hurts her sometimes and sometimes gets very hot," she said. "I am desperate for help, please help my child to get well."
Meanwhile, President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East, Lee Bailey, has told The Gleaner that his club would be willing to assist in whatever way it could. While he made no specific commitment, Mr. Bailey said that a team of volunteer doctors was expected to be in the island within three weeks, on the invitation of his club and that recommendations would be made for little Shanel to be examined.
