BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A young athlete who was recently diagnosed with and lost his limb to bone cancer, and the people of Dominica through the Dominica Association of St. Kitts and Nevis, were today (Oct. 12) the recipients of monetary assistance courtesy Operation Rescue.
The group recently hosted a dinner, the proceeds of which were presented to 21-year-old Dionte Foster and President of the Dominica Association of St. Kitts and Nevis, Norman Sabaroche.
Foster, a special Olympian who plays tennis and swims, was diagnosed with bone cancer last month which led to the amputation of his left leg and was advised by doctors that it has spread to his lungs. He told SKNVibes the news was difficult to deal with at first and that he was very emotional.
In handing over the $3,000 cheque, Operation Rescue’s member Richard Caines told Foster that everyone encounters challenges in life but they should never be allowed to retard one’s progress. He said he hopes that the monetary donation would be of some assistance to him.
A soft-spoken Foster thanked Operation Rescue for its support and for caring.
Foster’s mother Lornette Elliott and his stepfather Myron Gumbs were on hand to support their son and also thank Operation Rescue for its assistance. They told SKNVibes that the sum would be used to pay for the chemotherapy and radiation treatment which he is scheduled to undergo on Friday (Oct. 16) in Nevis.
In accepting the $2,000 cheque on behalf of the Dominica Association of St. Kitts and Nevis, Sabaroche told SKNVibes that the group is grateful for the support and at the end of this month he would take it, as well as other monies gathered during fundraisers, to Dominica.
He explained that while there, an assessment would be conducted and the monies would be used to purchase items for those individuals who would have lost their possessions by flood.
Near the close of the brief ceremony, G. A. Dwyer Astaphan, founder of Operation Rescue, said the organisation is one of service, that its members “live to give” and that it is honoured and privileged to be able to give to both causes.
Anyone wishing to donate to Foster can call 667-3939 or 660-5954.
