LIFE is no longer the same for little Meander Keturah Loo, a sixth grade student of the All Saints Primary School in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
She has a tumor on her brain stem (the piece at the back of her head that connects to the spinal cord) and can no longer enjoy the ‘normal’ life of a 10-year-old.

Keturah, lovingly called ‘Ketty’ at home, has been coping with severe headaches, fever, and vomiting since September 2009, and her family has been with her “from doctor to doctor”, trying to deal with the problem.

Describing her daughter before the illness, Karen Loo, the single-parent mother of Ketty, told the Chronicle: “She was a bright, full, 10-year-old, ready for performance and ready to achieve. I would say she was an A student – always positive, always smart.

“We didn’t know what it (the sickness) was, and no one checked her head. We thus delayed for three years. Time is now of the essence.”

It was only after Ketty had a severe seizure and semi-stroke, last August, that an MRI was suggested, by which everyone became aware of the reason for Ketty’s sickness. The diagnosis was made while Ketty was in hospital from last November 5 to 26.

The tumor ‘acted up’ when she started to study for the Common Entrance Exams, and she began experiencing headaches and eye problems. Her mother subsequently had her eyes tested, and the specialist recommended spectacles.

Even though spectacles brought Ketty a little relief, the pain never really stopped. She thereafter started to experience vomiting, and constantly had fever. “We have been coping, but it’s getting from bad to worse,” Ketty’s mom said.

“Her head started to lean to the left, and I would have to tell her, ‘Girl, straighten up’. (This was, of course, before they knew about the tumor.) Ketty also developed abscesses from being administered the many injections and tablets consistent with her sickness.

The tumor is basically affecting Ketty’s eyes, throat and mobility; hence, without treatment, she can go blind, her mobility would obviously be affected, and she would not be able to engage in any form of eating.

According to her mom, Ketty now has limited mobility, and has to be attended to on a 24-hour basis. Her head now leans to the left, and her feet are a bit widespread. In fact, her entire body is curved to the left, Karen said.

Ketty is now urgently in need of a surgery that cannot be performed in Guyana. “With some assistance from others, I have been able to contact Dr. Steve Mahadeo, a neurosurgeon operating in Trinidad. Dr. Caradon, also a neurosurgeon attached to the GPHC, informed me that he was unable to perform that type of specialized surgery on Keturah because of the unavailability of a certain surgical instrument in Guyana. The estimated overall cost (of the surgery) is TT$166,000 or Gy$4,978,240.”

Karen is now hoping that the surgery can be performed in Trinidad, which represents the closest location where it can be done.

But the family must first come up with the approximately Gy$5M needed! And they haven’t got close to it! They are currently trying to gather as much as possible from relatives and friends to facilitate the surgery.

Members of the public are also being asked to help in this respect. If you are in a position to do so, please call Ketty’s mom on 226-6908 or 692-7090.

Account#002171376018 has also been established at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) for those who wish to contribute to the cost of Ketty’s surgery.

At present, Karen said, Ketty has still not become negative over her illness. “She takes injections and tablets, no matter how numerous, without any complaints. This has really knocked me off my feet, but her attitude boosts me up.”

Describing how she feels about her daughter’s illness, Karen said: “It’s the most horrible news that a mother can get. The worst nightmare, especially for a single parent. It’s hard. It’s like you’re handicapped, especially without finances. It’s something you have to live with, and watch your child deteriorate. You feel helpless.”

Karen lost her husband about five years ago, and is still recovering from that loss. She is very grateful to the nurses and doctors of the Paediatric Medical and Surgical Section of the Georgetown Public Hospital, who she said were kind to her and Ketty.

Karen is also grateful to the persons who have assisted her so far. Caribbean Airlines, for example, has granted her and Ketty free tickets to Trinidad whenever they acquire the money to do the surgery.
She is appealing to parents and mothers, especially those in a similar position like hers: “Care for your children, and have them checked out whenever you see any strange behaviour. Get to know your kids.”

The family would be extremely grateful for any financial assistance from the public. Anything would be welcome to help save little Keturah’s life!