Time is running out for young Kelly Ann Drayton and a doctor fears that if she does not receive immediate surgery, it may be too late.
Last month, the Express ran the details of Drayton’s sobering siituation. The child was diagnoised with Biliary Atresia which is the congenital absence or closure of the ducts that drain bile from the liver. It is a progressive inflammatory process that begins very soon after birth. In the most common form, called extrahepatic biliary atresia, the delicate ducts outside the liver are affected first. White blood cells invade the ducts, which become damaged and may wither or completely disappear. Bile is trapped inside the liver and rapidly causes damage and scarring to the liver cells. Further scarring of the liver tissue may result in cirrhosis.
After hitting several dead ends and receiving pessimistic outlooks from local medical authorities, Drayton’s mother-Gillian Thompson-received a ray of hope from North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Maria Bartholomew. Dr Bartholomew confirmed the need for Drayton’s liver transplant. The surgery, available in Argentina, will cost Thompson US$110,000.
Although the family has been able to raise some of the funds so far, the amount collected is still significantly less than the target. The doctor revealed that the hospital has agreed to accept a US$50,000 downpayment.
Dr Bartholomew is now worried that the family may lose their window of opportunity, even though the child’s father has been assessed as a suitable donor.
’She does have advanced liver disease. Without this operation she will not survive. Quite a few months have passed since I first saw her.’
The doctor added that it was her fervent hope that funds be raised quickly to help the child.
Two years ago, Thompson’s son died before he was fully a month old. The traumatised mother recalled that she was left unattended at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, for almost 13 hours during labour. While still in the womb, her unborn son inhaled a mixture of meconium (baby’s first fecal movement) and amniotic fluid. The damage was irreversible and 27 days later, he succumbed to respiratory problems as a result of his condition. In January 2008, Thompson, 26, found out she was pregnant again. She gave birth to Kelly Ann Drayton. But within two months, Drayton began to show signs of illness.
The child was warded at the Mt Hope Hospital where her parents were told that a Kasai surgery needed to be performed. A Kasai procedure removes the atretic biliary ducts outside the liver and attaches the small intestine directly to the liver at the spot where bile is found or expected to drain.
Unfortunately, Drayton and her family were repeatedly turned away by health officials, her condition worsened and she eventually was no longer a suitable candidate for the surgery. Drayton’s case was eventually taken by Dr Vindra Singh who has been able to ease her discomfort a bit.
Thompson said that given the slow pace of funds to the cause, it was really difficult to remain optimistic.
’We have only raised TT$62,000. Right now her stomach is swollen and she is always crying because she is uncomfortable. It is through the public that we have been able to raise what we have so far.’
Thompson is repeating her urgent pleas for citizens and corporate Trinidad and Tobago to give young Kelly Ann Drayton a chance at a normal life.
To make a direct contribution to Kelly’s surgery, call 795-6235.
