ELEVEN-year-old Katus Byron Smith is carrying the weight of two genetic diseases, one of which can result in death.

The condition — hypospadias — is a birth defect in boys in which the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis; and Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition that affects connective tissues that provide support for the body and organs, and can damage the blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, lungs and spine among others.

Katus lives in Reach District, Portland, with his mother Sasha-Ann Buckley, who is now making a plea to Jamaica to assist with funds for surgery and medication.

“Two million dollars is needed for the surgery. He was diagnosed from birth with hypospadias, and in 2016, he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. It’s really hard because at times I am not able to bring him for his appointments at UWI [University Hospital of the West Indies]. The most I spend is to run tests, like now I have a heart test which costs $10,800 and a hormone test which is another $6,000,” Buckley told the Jamaica Observer.

A check with the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) revealed that the surgery cannot be done locally, and that countries within Latin America are usually equipped to treat with such cases. Meanwhile, Buckley said she found a doctor in Mexico who put her in touch with Inoqare Medical Consultancy, a subsidiary of Paris International Care, which offers the surgery for US$13,000.

Inoqare’s official website states that it is a “market leader in the transportation of transplant teams and organs in France”.

So far, Buckely has accumulated $80,000.

“The surgery will be done in Mexico. I was the one who sourced the doctor for myself. I went online and I found this place. I talked with the doctor and he asked me for my son’s information. He tried to source the places for me, but it was Mexico that was the cheapest,” she said.

The Sunday Observer received a copy of a document sent to Buckley by Inoqare, which detailed the medical package.

According to the document, two operations will be done six months apart, both at a cost of US$6,500. Transportation and hotel service will be free.

Further, Buckley pleaded: “Katus is in dire need of a life-saving surgery. We are kindly asking for the public’s assistance in getting the necessary help he needs. Those reading the story, and wish to donate can do so with the NCB [National Commercial Bank] account.”

In the meantime, it has been very difficult for her over the period. Buckley said she cares for her son alone, as his father is no longer in the picture.

“I normally stress myself over his condition, but now I try my best to cope as best as possible. I am not able to work, as I can’t leave him and I have no one else to take him to the doctor, and I try my best to meet his appointments. He has to brace forward to urinate. At times, mi feel discouraged because he did surgery and the area still looks the same. The last surgery was in December 2021,” she said.

“He did four surgeries in total; two hernia repair and two penoscrotal hypospadias repair,” she related.

However, Buckley said gladly, her son doesn’t experience much pain.

“He goes to school, but at times, he misses school to go for his appointments. Other from that, he plays and he doesn’t let his medical condition bother him.”

Anyone wishing to help can make a donation at:

Name: Sasha-Ann Buckley

National Commercial Bank (Savings)

Portland Branch

Acc # — 844261624