Ionie Gordon dreams of a normal life
Published:Saturday | July 13, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer
MANDEVILLE, Manchester:IONIE GORDON has been having a hard time living a normal life for the last six years due to a serious heart condition.
The 35-year-old single mother of four, who hails from Comfort district in Manchester, has been unable to work because of her illness. She has difficulty doing her everyday chores around the house. So severe is her condition, she even has a hard time breathing.
"It affects me greatly because I can't work, and moving around becomes hard because of the shortness of breath and the tiredness, because I can't breathe properly," Gordon told The Gleaner.
She added: "I can't get to look after my kids like how I want to, like to send them to school, and I have to get help. Sometimes my mom drops by and helps out, and my friends will drop in too."
OPEN-HEART PROCEDURE
In order to live a normal life again, Gordon has to do a mitral valve replacement surgery, which is an open-heart procedure. It will cost US$2,450 for the open-heart kit/mitral valve, and US$6,250 for hospital fees. There will also be an additional cost for her rehabilitation.
"I would really like to do the surgery because my condition is getting worse every day," Gordon said. "It's hard, you know, when you can't work. Even housework becomes a problem. Walking becomes hard, breathing, you have sleepless nights because you can't breathe properly. I have to prop up myself to get a good rest. I really want to work, and be able to look after my kids. "
Her family has been working feverishly to assist with the funds for the surgery. Her church and residents in her community are also trying to help. However, despite their greatest efforts, additional funds are still needed.
Gordon is seeking the public's assistance in getting a new lease on life. She can be contacted at 374-6073.