DHANRAJ NEEDS A LIVER TRANSPLANT

The mother of four, yesterday visited Newsday’s Port-of-Spain office with her husband, Parmanand, sister-in-law Rawatie and son Dhanraj, who has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis of the liver is characterised by the hardening of the liver as a result of damage to liver cells over several years, it can ultimately lead to liver failure.

Dr Maria Bartholomew, Consultant Gastroenterologist and liver specialist, diagnosed the 33- year-old with this rare disease, in 2004 when she told the family, Dhanraj had approximately two years to live.

The damage cannot be reversed or treated and so the only way to give Dhanraj a chance to lead a normal life is by liver transplantation. The operation is not done locally and cost was first estimated at US$325,000 in the USA.

The Persads have however been successful in finding a hospital in Argentina that would perform the same operation for US$90, 000.

Dhanraj, a former Estate Constable with Amalgamated Security Services Limited, told Newsday he has been on extended sick leave since August 2005.

He stated that he is “constantly riddled with pain, fatigue and insomnia.”

Since the diagnosis he has lost over 50 pounds.

The disease which was at first mistakenly diagnosed as Wilson’s disease and Portal vein thrombosis has stopped Dhanraj from hiking, running and camping, some of his favourite pastimes.

The Persads have embarked on a series of fund-raising ventures which includes curry-ques, barbeques, excursions and the issuing of donation sheets.

The Persads can be contacted at 668-1436 or 751-7437. Donations can also be deposited at RBTT, account number 021 715 2230.