Dear Editor,

Our six-year-old son Ajay McKenzie started Boscobel Primary School in September 2009. He has been having a vision problem. In late November the principal discovered his shortcomings and brought it to our attention. We were in no position to get him the medical care he needed. We were worried and needed help for our son.

The school is adopted by the Sandals Foundation and the principal called its representatives to seek help. Shortly afterwards, arrangements were made by Ian Spencer and Lyndsay Isaacs from the Foundation for our son to visit an ophthalmologist. He needed immediate surgery for cataracts in both eyes. They tried to make plans for the surgery at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital but the equipment was not working. They arranged another visit to an ophthalmologist and Ajay was required to do a few tests prior to surgery. When we got the result of the tests we were advised for the first time that our son had the sickle cell trait, for which we now visit the health clinic for updates.

Arrangements were made for Ajay to visit Dr McIntosh, ophthalmologist in Linstead. The surgery was planned for January 18 at the St Joseph’s Hospital in Kingston. All medical bills, transport to Linstead and Kingston and back to Ocho Rios were paid for by the Sandals Foundation. Also, the foundation’s representatives gave us guidance and much comfort.

The surgery was a big success. We are happy and wish to say a big thank-you to the Sandals Foundation, Ian, Lyndsay and the many people who prayed and wished us well. Little Ajay, our son, is back on track to maximise his full potential. Thanks also for assisting mother Janice to be with him during his visits to the doctors and the hospital.

Janice Keating, Hugh McKenzie

Tower Isle

St Mary