Essequibo youth heads overseas for heart surgery

Jan 25, 2009 News

Life for 19-year-old Ruddy Rayman changed just over a year ago when his family realized that he had a terminal heart condition.

President of Guyana Watch Inc., Tony Yassin, along with Ruddy Rayman (right) and his father, Neville Rayman.

President of Guyana Watch Inc., Tony Yassin (centre), along with Ruddy Rayman (right) and his father, Neville Rayman.

The teenager from Lima, Essequibo Coast, was visiting relatives one day when his aunt realized that his fingernails were discoloured and immediately informed his parents of the possibilities of such symptoms. The teen was subsequently diagnosed with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis.

After several consultations with doctors at the Suddie Hospital and several overseas doctors, the teenager’s father, Neville Rayman, sought assistance from Guyana Watch Inc and the Ministry of Health.

While the two entities managed to donate substantially towards the cause, Rayman still needs at least US$10,000 more to take the life-saving surgery.

The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital of Valhalla has agreed to carry out the surgery at a reduced price of US$10,000; however, Rayman will require a valve replacement, and as such will have to pay an additional US$10,000.

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, the teenager’s father said that while he is very grateful for the assistance that he has received, he still needs the public’s help to raise the additional US$10,000.

Rayman is expected to travel to New York next week for his surgery.

Anyone desirous of assisting the teenager can call his father on 680-3276.

Meanwhile, Shreya Persaud, of Versailles, West Bank Demerara is currently recuperating at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital after completing heart surgery on Wednesday last. She, too, was assisted by Guyana Watch Inc.

She is expected to be discharged from the hospital this weekend.

According to President of Guyana Watch, Tony Yassin, Persaud’s surgery was successful and she is recovering comfortably.

Over the years, Guyana Watch has rendered medical assistance to more than 45,000 people throughout the length and breadth of Guyana through its medical outreach programmes.

The organization has also completed more than 28 heart surgeries and 58 eye surgeries. The New York-based organisation has also assisted in the development of a 32-workstation computer laboratory at the University of Guyana campus at Berbice, along with many other charitable ventures in Guyana.