Danielle Harriott, before and after being diagnosed with bone marrow aplasia. Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
A few months ago she was a regular bubbly student, who was eager to learn and enjoyed playing with friends.
Today, nine-year-old Danielle Harriott, who was diagnosed with bone marrow aplasia, a condition which makes her prone to life-threatening bleeding, is unable to walk and do the things that once made her happy.
As a result of her condition, Danielle is anaemic, she bleeds through her nose and eyes, gets high fever and is unable to speak properly.
Danielle's condition is difficult to treat and the treatment is not available locally. As such, her mother, Cassandra Christopher, is making an urgent plea to the nation to assist her daughter who is desperately in need of surgery, which will cost about J$6 million.
Currently unemployed
The public has already given the family $400,000 but Ms. Christopher, whois currently unemployed as a result of her daughter's condition, believes that through this medium, the public may dig deeper into their pockets to assist. Her daughter was diagnosed with the illness in March and has since been hospitalised at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.
"I am begging Jamaica to help my daughter to do this surgery so she can come home because every time she says she wants to come home," said Ms. Christopher.
"The other day mi drop down because mi caan believe this would happen to mi daughter," said a tearful Ms. Christopher, adding that every time she passes Danielle's school - Dunrobin Primary - she cries.
Ms. Christopher, who spends most nights and days with her daughter at the hospital, says Danielle is very worried about her illness.
"The other day she asked, if she go to sleep if she will wake up," said Ms. Christopher.
The eldest of four children, Danielle helps her 31-year-old mother to read.
Persons who would like to assist her, can make payments to Danielle Harriott, Jamaica National Building Society account number 10588930.
petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com
