SEVEN-month-old Rushane Evans, is scheduled for life-saving heart surgery on March 26, following donations from several individuals and companies who responded to the child’s plight.

Money was also being raised for his post-surgery care after he returns to the island.

Rushane suffers from congenital heart disease that has to be treated before he reaches one year old, and about a month ago his family appealed to the public to raise the US$40,000 needed.

Kiwanians from Pennsylvania and Kingston first came on board with a significant contribution. Under their Children’s Heart Programme, the cost of Rushane’s surgery was reduced by 75 per cent, and the family was left to raise US$10,000. This would cover the cost of the surgery, airfare for Rushane and his parents, and other incidental costs while he recovers in Pennsylvania.

Family friends established the Rushane Evans Trust, and began to raise funds in earnest. And while some funds were donated by generous businesses and individuals in and around Montego Bay, there was some concern that not all the money would be raised before Rushane’s scheduled departure for the US.

That was when Imperial Optical stepped in. They had already donated money, but seeing the need, they gave more. Imperial Optical donated a grand total of $241,536.24; filling the gap that separated little Rushane from life- saving surgery.

“We are surrounded by a lot of poverty, but where has the greatest need than the very old and the very young,” said a member of Imperial’s management team who asked that his name be withheld. “Imperial Optical just saw the need to help a young child and we were there to assist. The only thing we ask is that we are told about Rushane’s progress (after the surgery). We’d really like to hear some good news.”

The young boy and his mother will leave the island on either March 15 or 22, depending on space constraints on the airline.

Meanwhile, elated and relieved family and friends of the young baby, along with the members of the Rushane Evans Trust Fund expressed heartfelt gratitude for all the help they have received in their time of need.