Noel Thompson, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
SHANEL COOPER, the two-year-old girl, who needed urgent surgery to remove a tumour from her leg and was recently featured in The Gleaner, has had the required operation.
The Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay, St. James, confirmed that Shanel had the lump removed from her left leg on Monday. The hospital said it would not comment further on the child's status.
WORRIED ABOUT BILLS
Shanel's mother, Rhona Isaacs, told Across The Nation that Shanel would have to spend another 30 days in the hospital as further tests are to be carried out.
She said she was now worried about finding the money to meet those bills, which may result from the operation and any other incidentals.
PLEDGES POUR IN
Lee Bailey, president of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East, said he had been informed by the hospital that it could cost up to $50,000.
"I have written to persons who had expressed an interest in the matter when the article was first published in The Gleaner," Mr. Bailey said. "I have not yet had any response, but our club is committing to a portion of the amount. Once we have found out what the exact cost is, we will be willing to assist the mother to source the balance from other contributors."
He added: "We are extremely pleased that so many of our Jamaicans have called to find out about the little girl's condition. We have not had a report on the operation, but from all indications it was successful and the child is doing well."
The Gleaner's story received tremendous response both locally and internationally.
The Canadian High Commission had also considered sponsoring the child to undergo treatment at the Toronto Sick Children's Hospital, while Atlanta-based Jamaican, Arlington Myers, had planned a similar trip.
