BROWN’S TOWN, St Ann — A cure for Adrian Parkes, who has been suffering from lymphedema for more than 13 years, could finally be possible, but only if the 26-year-old receives financial assistance in securing the $250,000 needed for a medical procedure.

Parkes’ 13-year search for a cure for the disease which has left him in excruciating pain came to an end when a doctor finally gave him hope that a procedure can be done to restore his leg to 95 per cent normalcy.

“The doctor says it will cost $250,000 and it will take four to six weeks,” Parkes said, adding that the procedure will involve the fluid being drained from his leg, following which it will be supported with a wrap.

Parkes, who has been suffering from the illness since he was a teenager, has been seeking financial help to have surgery done to relieve him of not just the struggle of walking with a swollen leg, but to put an end to the constant pain. Now he has learnt that a less invasive treatment is available, but he is still unable to afford it.

Relatives and friends of the young man, whose plight was first highlighted in the January 19 publication of the Observer North & East, said he is often unable to eat because of the severe pain he experiences.

According to Parkes, in order to get the procedure done, he will be required to stay in Kingston, as he will not be able to travel daily from St Ann to receive the necessary treatment over the four- to six-week period.

In spite of being ill, Parkes who is from Philadelphia, near Brown’s Town, has always been an active member of his community. He is a part of the community’s youth club and is active in the community’s sports programme. Parkes also works as a landscaper around his community.

Persons who wish to assist Parkes can make their donations to Scotiabank account number 423790.