NORMAN GRINDLEY/Staff Photographer
Students of the Holy Childhood High School, St. Andrew, staged a major car wash project yesterday to raise funds to assist a classmate's parent who is in need of cardiac surgery.Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
A CHILD'S STORY about the illness of her 50-year-old father touched the hearts of students and teachers at the Holy Childhood High School, St. Andrew and moved the school community into action to raise much-needed funds towards his critical health bill.
The matter of Kirklyn Williams' health was brought to the attention of Holy Childhood School for Girls a week ago after his daughter, a student, approached principal, Sister James Marie, to work a miracle and raise $1-million so that her father can travel to the United States to undergo major cardiac surgery which is not available in Jamaica.
"Her story brought tears to my eyes as I watched the poor little thing asking with quiet dignity if there is anything we could do to help her save her father's life," Sister Marie told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday.
A letter from Dr. William Foster, a consultant cardiologist, said Mr. Williams who is a father of four and a truck operator, has not worked since January 2002. He explained that Mr. Williams has been accepted by Dr. John Anderson of Brooklyn, New York, for urgent treatment.
The letter said Mr. Williams has critical mitral stenosis that has damaged three of his valves, which resulting in weight loss and severe limitation of movement. The sick man has also suffered a series of strokes.
It is understood that the Maimonides Medical Centre in New York has agreed to accept Mr. Williams' case for US$20,000. Dr. Foster further pointed out that Mr. Williams' future hinges on the the time it takes to get the required treatment he needs.
The students of the Holy Childhood High School have embarked on a campaign to raise the funds urgently.
Students, especially from the upper school, have been involved in a number of ventures such as shoe shine and cookery to this end.
Each student has been asked to contribute $20 per week from their lunch money. Their latest gesture was a major car wash project yesterday, on the school compound.
Scores of young girls clad in shorts and t-shirts were observed working relentlessly yesterday to raise funds to save Mr. Williams' life.
"This school is like a family, when anything happens to any one of us, including teachers and parents, we try to rally round and help each other," said Sister Marie.
