Heartfelt thanks to Rotary Club

THE EDITOR: We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to members of the Rotary Club of St Augustine and Rotary International for the kindness which they demonstrated to my family, especially our nine-month-old daughter, Kenyah Bramble.

Kenyah was diagnosed with a heart condition at birth and it was deemed necessary that she receive medical treatment in the United States of America. The Rotary Club accepted our application for assistance and arranged medical care, return airfare, accommodation and ground transportation.

On our arrival in the US, Kenyah and I (Lisa) were warmly greeted by the host family, Rick and Janet Simpson and their daughter Rachel, who made our stay very pleasant and memorable. Although her condition was described as inoperable, Kenyah certainly did receive first class health care and everyone, especially the doctors and nurses treated us with the uttermost care and respect. Never did we once feel as if we were less than human beings but we did feel loved and cared for. My husband and I would like to thank these special individuals for their exceptional kindness and generosity: Vanessa Gabriel, Dr Vernon Andrews, Mr Nabbie Khan, Mrs Alicia Pamponette — a most integral member in the “Gift of Life” programme here in Trinidad, Mr Rick and Mrs Janet Simpson — Host family in the US, Dr Peter Moreli — Pediatric Cardiologist at Stony Brook Hospital and American Airlines.

Again we would like to say that the Rotary Club’s “Gift of Life” programme is an exceptional one. It offers parents of children with cardiac problems a lot of hope and care to help them cope with a very stressful situation, which can seem insurmountable. They were there for us and they are more than willing to offer assistance to others in similar situations. God bless you all.

SEAN AND LISA BRAMBLE
Port-of-Spain