Teen with brain tumour appeals for help

THE EDITOR: My name is Afia Irish. I’m 17 years old and I attend the Corpus Christi College at Church Street, Diego Martin. I have a huge problem that needs immediate assistance. In June of this year, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour — a very large one that seems to be growing daily. I need to undergo emergency surgery but my family is not financially able to fund this procedure. At present the estimated cost is well over $100,000.

I have been a patient at the SDA Community Hospital at Western Main Road, Cocorite and the neuro surgeon there is very qualified (in my personal opinion) and willing to do the surgery but as it’s a private institution, it’s beyond his control to proceed without some sort of payment. He has written two letters, which were sent to the Honourable Minister John Rahael asking for assistance. The said Ministry has agreed to donate $15,000 which my family and I are very thankful for but which does not cover even half the cost of this surgical procedure.

There is no way possible that my family is able to raise these funds in such a short space of time. This is my plea as a youth of our beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago, to both public and private organisations, as they often say, “the youths are our future leaders,” so please try to save the life of one of them. I thank all you readers who have heard my cry for help and I along with my family would be forever grateful to all those who come forward to assist us in this time of need. Please contact Vicky or Candace at 622-1191-2 for further information.

AFIA IRISH
Diego Martin