An Essequibo family is pleading for the public’s assistance in raising more than $3M for surgery to save the dying patriarch of the home.
Stephen Craig, 44, of 194 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was diagnosed earlier this year with a brain aneurysm and desperately needs surgery in Trinidad and Tobago.
Craig, a logger, was forced to stop working following advice from his doctor that strenuous activity may have a deadly effect on him.
Craig’s problems began last year June, when he was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) after two blood vessels in his brain ruptured. Though he had spent a month in the facility, he continued to complain about severe headaches. An angiogram was suggested and was completed in Trinidad. The results showed that Craig had an aneurysm.
Two months ago, a physician advised that he seek urgent medical attention at the Caribbean Heart Care MedCorp Ltd. in Trinidad and Tobago. The surgery, it is said, will cost the Craig family TT$160,000 a figure in excess of $4M.
Though the situation had been deemed high-risk, Bernice Craig, the dying man’s wife, told Stabroek News yesterday that everything is at a standstill due to the lack of available funds.
The woman further said that though the Ministry of Health aided with US$5,000, much more is still needed.
“It’s something important to my family,” Bernice said. “I’d be really thankful if people help with any small amount because it’s like a ticking time-bomb in his brain. Anytime the aneurysm can rupture,” she added.
The situation has been taking a toll on the man’s relatives but the family is trying to remain positive. “I was feeling very, very depressed about this; when I hear the cost and everything. But right now we’re just praying.”
Bernice went on, “Stephen is a loving husband, and very quiet. He’s been going through all of this and he doesn’t complain about it. He’s a nice person.”
Anyone willing to donate to the family is urged to do so at Citizen’s Bank into account #218-341-042 or contact Bernice on 671-2537 for further information.
