11-year-old Antiguan diagnosed with rare cancer receives $1000 assistance from SLBMC

Antigua and Barbuda: The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has made a generous donation of $1000 to Nickesha Hogarth and her 11-year-old son Kyle Charles. Kyle was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer named Hodgkins Lymphoma, for which he had to be flown to Jamaica (University Hospital of the West Indies) for specialist treatment for his cancer. The donation was made through the Centre's Childhood Cancer Awareness fund. The SLBMC Paediatric Department Chair, Dr Shivon Belle Jarvis, remarked, "It took a village to get Kyle and his mother to Jamaica."Chair Belle remarked that he wants to thank the community for supporting the Childhood Cancer initiatives and helping them raise much required funds for needy families like Kyle's. He further added, "So, if you've ever wondered what exactly your money does... This is it. Your gifts—no matter what size—fuel our commitment to ensure a future where all children's journeys end in survivorship. It is with immense gratitude that we thank all of you for investing in hope not only for the children and families we serve today but for those we have yet to meet." To date, SLBMC has donated $2,350 in aid of Kyle's care/treatment.The 11-year-old is continuing his fight with cancer after he was diagnosed five months ago. Kyle's family members also hosted a fundraiser for him in order to collect the amount needed for his treatment in Jamaica, which is very costly. The fundraiser was held on March 2, during which several leaders joined and offered their support. The Member of Parliament for the Constituency of St Mary's South, Kelvin Simon, along with the Johnson's Point community, mobilized support from all over the island to raise funds to assist Kyle Charles with his medical treatment. He said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."[caption id="attachment_69180" align="aligncenter" width="100%"] Member of Parliament Kelvin Simon with 11 year old Kyle[/caption]Meanwhile, the citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda have expressed their good wishes to Kyle on his journey to fight cancer. "Sending healing prayer over his life in Jesus name, safe flight, and Kyle, you are a strong little boy," wrote a user named Shameicka Burke, while another user said, "Lord u, said healing is your children's bread, and I know there is nothing impossible with you I pray victory for this child."