ROTARY CLUB OF ANTIGUA

 

The Rotary Club of Antigua has once again demonstrated its commitment to the preservationof life by arranging for a two-year-old baby to undergo surgery to correct a congenital heart defect.
 

Baby Kamal George, who was born with the problem, travelled with his mother, Trevlene George, on Saturday, 6 October, 2012 to Richmond, Virginia for the lifesaving operation under the World Pediatric Project at the cost of US$32,000.
 

Coincidentally, the procedure will take place on October 9, the same day Baby Kamal celebrates his second birthday.
 

“It has been hard but patience and trust in God takes you a long way,” said Trevlene as she thanked the Rotary Club for their assistance at a regular meeting on October 3 at the City View hotel.
 

She singled out Rotarian and past president Cordell Josiah, who pioneered the project, for his support.
 

“He has been working really hard with us,” said the teacher who’s studying in Cuba.

“It has been really good to know that they are people in the world who give their lives to help those who need it. I grew up in a house where giving is important in life. We have had ups and downs but dedication is the key.”
 

Regarding the operation, Trevlene said: “I know everything will be alright.”
 

Josiah, who travelled to Richmond last year to make the arrangements, said Baby Kamal was referred to him by a concerned Antiguan and an analysis was done in St Vincent last March.

“They (the parents and grandparents) have been very anxious and concerned about Kamal,” Josiah said.
 

 His comments were echoed by Trevor George, Kamal’s grandfather.
 

“The journey has been rough and tough. I would like to thank Rotary for extending their resources to ensure that things are done,” he said.
 

His wife, Mornly George, was also present.
 

Rotary president Paul Harris, who presented two American Airlines tickets to mother and child, said the club will be closely following the operation and Baby Kamal’s recovery.
 

“We want to wish you well and we will follow up not only tomorrow but throughout his life to ensure all goes well,” Harris said.
 

Rotarian Paul Bacchus, who chaired the meeting, called on his colleagues to chronicled Baby Kamal’s experienced.
 

“Let’s work as a team and do a book. It may say something to the world,” Bacchus said.

An impromptu fundraiser during the meeting was donated to mother and son.

 

We heal critically ill children and build indigenous healthcare capacity in developing nations. World Pediatric Project accomplishes this mission through effective programs which heal children today while building and implementing programs to heal the children of tomorrow.

Every child, regardless of geography, will have access to quality, critical care so that they can live full and productive lives.

World Pediatric Project was founded in 2001 as International Hospital for Children, with the mission to link worldwide pediatric surgical, diagnostic and preventative resources to heal critically ill children in developing countries. Dr. Julian Metts, in conjunction with the South Richmond Rotary Club, founded the organization after returning from a dental mission trip in which Dr. Metts witnessed many children who were dying due to lack of access to critical medical care which is readily accessible in the United States. On March 1, 2011, International Hospital for Children merged with a nonprofit organization in St. Louis and became World Pediatric Project.