Little Nathaniel needs your help

Little Nathaniel celebrated his first birthday on Saturday last but, according to his mother, many do not believe her when she tells them his age.

“He looks so small,” said Risa Cipriani-Bain, Nathaniel’s mother.

“He can’t crawl and he keeps falling over because of the pain on his right side.” Earlier this year, Nathaniel was diagnosed with biliary atresia - a life-threatening disease in infants caused by abnormalities in the bile ducts. These abnormalities lead to the build-up of bile - responsible for the transportation of toxins out of the body as well as fat digestion - which damages the liver, leading to scarring and, if left untreated, could cause liver failure. Nathaniel’s liver has deteriorated to a point which requires an urgent liver transplant.

Cipriani-Bain sought the help of the CLF when Nathaniel was seven months old. According to her, his application was successful and the CLF has been searching for a suitable hospital to perform the liver transplant ever since.

However, she is wondering how long again it will take, because her son’s condition is worsening.

“Two months ago, his liver was nine centimetres, now it is 11 centimetres,” Cipriani-Bain said.

Nathaniel’s stomach is swollen on his right side, and he grimaces when making certain movements that engage his abdominal muscles.

The keep-back in Nathaniel getting treatment is due to the CLF’s protocol. “The Life Fund is telling me that they are still waiting on approvals from the other hospitals and when they get the approval, then they will move forward.” Cipriani-Bain expressed gratitude to the CLF which has committed to granting $1 million to assist with the cost of the transplant, the four months accommodation needed in whatever country is chosen, medication and subsistence but, as her son is getting worse, she wants help to come faster. Nathaniel, who still manages to smile brightly through his pain, is being kept alive by a milk named Similac which, according to Cipriani- Bain, helps him to put on the necessary weight that prevents him from succumbing to his disease. The milk however, costs $1,318 for a case of six tins - each of which lasts one week only because Cipriani-Bain stretches it herself.

Cipriani-Bain was previously employed, but lost her job. “They tell me is not that they don’t like children, but that they couldn’t handle the constant days off I was taking to see about him.” Her husband works in a nearby grocery. While they await the goahead from the CLF, the family is open to donations from the public to ensure they could continue buying Similac for Nathaniel.

Donations could be made to Republic Bank Account #660034509431 in the name of Risa Cipriani.