ABANDONED by her mother, Sherlana Plass, a preteen suffering from cerebral palsy, is a survivor and has celebrated her 12th birthday among those who have grown to love her at the Pediatric Ward of the New Amsterdam Hospital.Cuban-trained Pediatrician Dr. Ronaldo Medina Dominquez, who cares for Sherlana, has become so attached to the patient, that he saved her photograph on the screen of his mobile phone.
Departmental Sister Tamica Henry recalled that the patient was admitted to the health institution over three years ago, after being taken there by her mother.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy form birth, Sherlana, then aged nine years, was malnourished and underweight. Following medical intervention, she was discharged but by then her mother had ceased to visit.
However, a teenage sibling made periodic visits, but is now reportedly pregnant, and is no longer visiting the heath institution.
Sister Henry reported that efforts were made to contact Sherlana’s mother at their home at Angoy’s Avenue, a squatting area on the eastern fringe of the New Amsterdam township, but information received indicated that the woman has since sought employment at an interior location.
However, despite being abandoned, Sherlana was overpowered by lots of love during a special birthday party, organised by the hospital staff and overseas- based Guyanese, who ensured that the ‘birthday girl’, was adorned with a pink dress, a pair of white gloves, with matching shoes, while the attendees were given party hats and were served iced cake with ice cream along with other delicacies.
Fellow patients gave gifts, while Chief Executive Officer Colin Bynoe, along with doctors and nurses assigned to the ward expressed well wishes.

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric