BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE family of G’Neika Liburd are asking the general public to dig deep within their hearts and assist financially in any way possible to help little G’neika who is suffering from a brain tumor.
SKNVibes learnt that sometime in November 2012 the family noticed that the six-year-old started walking with her head leaned to the side and their first thought was that it had to do with a muscle in her neck.
But a CT scan done at the hospital and later an MRI in Antigua confirmed that is was a brain tumor and, as a result, the cost for a surgery to have it removed in Barbados is US$15 000; and that does not include transportation, accommodation and meals for herself and accompanying mother.
It has been tough on the entire family, including her father Garel Dorsette of St. Paul’s Village, who in an interview with SKNVibes said that his daughter is still in high spirits.
Dorsette said when he was first told that it was a brain tumor he immediately began crying over the phone with her mother.
“She asked her mother to call me because she wanted to see me and she was on the phone talking to me and asking me if I was alright and what I was crying for.
“As her father, I tried to be strong and she said to me, ‘Daddy, you’re a big man, nothing will happen.’ She told me not to worry because the doctor is not going to make her feel better…it was God. And as young as my daughter is, that’s the way she speaks and I always ask her to pray.”
Dorsett said that he always prays with his daughter every time he goes to see her.
It is reported that her family and doctors are uncertain whether the tumor is benign or malignant and that it must be removed to relieve the pressure on her brain. It is also said that the tumor could kill her if it gets too great, and that when it is removed tests would be done to ascertain whether or not it is cancerous.
Co-Deputy Chairperson of the People’s Action Movement, Jonel Powell has also made an appeal to the general public to contribute in whatever way they could to assist G’neika and her family.
“I have made a contribution to the fund and I will do whatever I can to solicit as much contributions as possible to the fund, which I hope will raise in excess of US$15 000, which is the approximate cost of young G’Neika’s surgery.
“I am imploring everyone to not only reach into their pockets and wallets, but their hearts and provide whatever money, time, support and love and prayers that they can spare and muster. She is an innocent child and we should do all that we can to help her family to help her,” he stated.
An account was established at Scotia Bank under the name ‘PediFund’ with the account number 3668 or dropped off at the office of Brisbane-O’Garro-Alvaranga on Princes Street, or at Harper's Office Depot on Fort Street, Basseterre.
Micayan and Iredell Smith, Dorsette’s in-laws, but not related by blood to little G’neika, are also appealing to the general public.
“She is so young,” said Micayan. “As we say, she hasn’t had a chance to experience life. She’s our family nonetheless and one’s heart just goes out to people when these things happen. Any help whatever possible, no matter how small, would be appreciated. Whatever it is, just give, the Lord will bless you.”
Iredell said she was depressed throughout the Carnival season upon learning of G’Neika’s illness.
“I know that God will heal her. I wish all the best for G’Neika and hope that she has a speedy recovery, and we just want her to keep her lively spirit. She’s a very jolly child. I hope that everyone will come out and give whatsoever little, don’t care how small we’ll appreciate it.”
