A 6-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour months ago is in need of life-saving surgery and his family along with non-governmental organisation Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) is seeking help in raising the funds to have the procedure done overseas.
SHEA has since embarked on a fundraiser to assist Persaud with the surgery and treatment- related expenses. The amount required is US$35,000.
Speaking to the Sunday Stabroek yesterday, the child’s mother, Alicia Persaud explained that Persaud started to experience severe headaches and vomiting in 2019.
As his condition worsened, she said she took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was evaluated by a neurology team.
In June, 2021, Persaud’s diagnosis of a Craniopharyngioma was confirmed following Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
According to the Mayo Clinic website, a Craniopharyngioma is a rare type of brain tumour which is usually formed near the brain’s pituitary gland which secretes hormones that control many body functions.
As the tumour grows, it can affect the functioning of the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain, the website added.
The following month, Alicia said a Ventriculoperitoneal shunt- a thin plastic tube that helps drain extra fluid from the brain was installed and doctors recommended overseas treatment.
Due to the severity of Persaud’s condition, he needs immediate surgery and extensive hormone replacement therapy.
However, the advanced treatment and technology is not available here as yet. As such, he is required to travel to the United States to have it done.
Unable to offset the cost of the procedure, Alicia said she approached SHEA and they have since accepted Persaud’s case.
A representative from SHEA said the organisation is currently working with doctors in the US to coordinate a treatment plan and transfer of Persaud.
Anyone willing to assist Persaud can visit https://savinghandsemergencyaid.org/adenpersaud or contact SHEA via Faceboook.
Donations can also be made to Demerara Bank account # 6002041325.
