Nine-year-old receives cheque from PYO to help him beat cancer
PYO members during their visit with Javier at his home to present him with the cheque
PYO members during their visit with Javier at his home to present him with the cheque

NINE-YEAR-OLD Javier Anderson, who is suffering from a rare bone cancer usually found in children is grateful that the Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) has donated the sum of $75,120 to aid in his acquisition of a prosthetic leg, presently available in the United States of America.

Javier was diagnosed with cancer in December 2013, and his life has since taken a major twist. Despite his 90% academic performance at the North Georgetown Primary School, his condition was thought to be militating against his academic future, and the PYO invited his mother Lizzana Anderson to suggest a way they could help to improve his future prospects.

After Lizzana had responded, the PYO youths began a constant fund- raising campaign, selling hot dogs and cakes to the public at the Republic Bank Water Street branch in order to accumulate the said amount.

Since his diagnosis last December, Javier has undergone three surgeries, two of which dealt with the removal of 10 cm of bone from his left leg, and the third completely removing his entire left leg, hence the requirement of a prosthetic leg.

Health professionals in the United States of America need to examine his leg before it is fitted with the prosthetic, but since it is quite costly and involves issuance of a visa, Javier’s mother is facing challenges in regard to airline fees and other related expenses (aside from household bills). Mrs. Anderson has been able to raise only $600,000 as at last month, but she needs a lot more financing in order to undertake Javier’s life-altering journey to the USA.

Moreover, although Javier appears to be healthy and normal, the cancer has spread to his lungs, implying that he would soon have to commence chemotherapy.

A few weeks ago, Javier’s father was reluctant to sign documents that would enable Javier’s to proceed with his treatments, but his mother proudly told the Guyana Chronicle that Javier’s father has since had a change of heart since First Lady Deolatchmi Ramotar’s intervention.

(By Shivanie Sugrim)

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