Young scholar needs transplant to live

YOUNG Shivan Gangapersad wants to live out a dream of becoming an electrical engineer. But he is dying and with each passing day, that dream is slowly and painfully becoming a nightmare. Gangapersad, 21, must have a bone marrow transplant abroad, the cost of which his family of Hunger March Trace, Gasparillo, cannot afford. The cost of the operation is $700,000. Gangapersad had up to three months ago, been pursuing an academic career in engineering, when doctors diagnosed him with Leukemia. This year he was scheduled to enroll at the University of the West Indies as a student in the Engineering Department. But without the bone marrow transplant, that would not be possible. Gangapersad works as a plant operator at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

His doctor, haematologist Dr Ramesh Mathura, stated in a letter that the disease transforms into a more aggressive ailment and it can happen at anytime. In other words, Gangapersad can fall sick any moment and die in a matter of days or weeks. Mathura stated that Gangapersad needs a donor and one has to be sourced soon. His two brothers and sister are the best possible donors, but compatability studies must be conducted and this also is an expensive exercise. “I will apreciate any financial help you can give this young man, for a chance of a normal life span,” Mathura appealed in his letter. The family has opened a bank account at Republic Bank, High Street, San Fernando, account number 800-456-655-431. Members of the public can contact the family at 650-1685. Yesterday, as he spoke of his battle to live and fulfill his dreams, Gangapersad said: “I want to become the best engineer... well, you know, anytime now I can get sick and the ultimate is death.”