By Cassandra Khan
DIAGNOSED with a rare brain tumour, six-year-old Aden Persaud of Blairmont, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), is now in need of help to go abroad to access specialised treatment which is not available here in Guyana.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, the child’s mother, Alicia Persaud, said that Aden was diagnosed recently with craniopharyngioma, a rare type of tumour near the pituitary gland, after experiencing persistent headaches and vomiting.

According to the National Cancer Institute, craniopharyngiomas are usually part solid, part fluid-filled cysts, which are usually benign and not cancerous, as they do not spread to other parts of the brain, nor to other parts of the body.

“However, they may grow and press on nearby parts of the brain or other areas, including the pituitary gland, the optic chiasm, optic nerves, and fluid-filled spaces in the brain. Craniopharyngiomas may affect many functions of the brain, such as the hormone-making process, growth, and vision,” the Institute says.

Prior to developing this condition, Alicia said her son was very active and jovial, and would often spend a lot of his free time playing cricket.

Several failed attempts to get him the treatment he needs here in Guyana hasve left the parents with no other option but to seek financial assistance to send Aden overseas for medical care.
The Saving Hands Emergency Aid Inc. (SHEA) foundation has since stepped in to mobilise support for the child.

According to SHEA, due to the severity and urgent nature of Aden’s condition, he needs immediate surgery, and extensive hormone replacement therapy.

“Unfortunately, the advanced treatment and technology necessary to save this young child is not yet available in Guyana. Therefore, SHEA charity has accepted his case, and we are working with doctors in the United States to coordinate lifesaving treatment for Aden,” the organisation said in a post on its Facebook page.

Persons who are interested in making a contribution towards the cause could contact the organisation at shea@sheacharity.org.
The organisation is a publicly-funded charity which is managed by volunteers. Further, 100 per cent of all donations are allocated to patient care.

“This organisation’s mission is to provide medical aid and humanitarian services to people in impoverished countries, mainly Guyana and the Caribbean. This organisation seeks pro-bono medical treatment whether locally or internationally for patients who cannot afford lifesaving medical treatment due to poverty,” SHEA says.