Kyra's race against time
Money still needed for baby's liver transplant
Rohandra John
Monday, March 2nd 2009
time running out: Baby Kyra Dennis with her parents Krystal Downer and Brendon Dennis, during a recent interview at Express House, Independence Square, Port of Spain.
Four months ago first-time mother Krystal Downer came forward with a public plea for help to raise US$276,000 for liver transplant surgery which her baby girl, Kyra Dennis, desperately needed to live.
Downer, 22, lamented that her baby's liver was hardening with each passing day and said she needed the transplant in the quickest possible time.
After her plight was highlighted in the Express, a number of generous readers came forward to donate money to the cause and thanks to their generosity the family managed to raise approximately $70,000 for Kyra's transplant.
The money is still not enough to pay for the costly transplant which can only be done overseas. Downer told the Express that she was still "very grateful and thankful" to people who contributed to the Baby Kyra Dennis Fund which was opened at Scotiabank.
Baby Kyra is now ten months old and time is against her.
She had to be rushed to the hospital twice last month because she was vomiting blood - a sign that her liver condition was worsening.
Downer said that apart from trying to raise all the money for the surgery, she was still trying to source a hospital that would accept Kyra to do the transplant.
She said after her daughter's plight was published in the Express four months ago, the Ministry of Health had promised that it would offer financial assistance once they were able to present all the relevant documents.
The ministry offers a maximum of US$10,000 to sick children who need to go abroad for medical treatment.
Downer said in an interview recently that she continues to depend on the generosity of citizens and is praying that she would be able to raise the required sum before it is too late for her daughter.
Anyone wishing to offer assistance can make deposits to the Baby Kyra Fund, account number 4009074 at Scotiabank or contact 769-2600 or 308-3084.
Can we pass the hat around so we can help to save this life .
