SAVANNA LA MAR, Westmoreland — Three children who have been living with deformity all their lives received life-changing orthopaedic surgery just days before the devastating Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica.

The inspiring act of service and compassion was done through the Paediatric Deformity Correction Initiative, a collaborative effort between Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar and the Orthopaedic Department at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital (SPGH).

The initiative was inspired by Rotary President Jean Powell, who is a retired cardiothoracic and critical care nurse. Coordinated by the hospital’s Dr Adrian Birch, the team, led by visiting paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Dr Claude Scott from New York Presbyterian Hospital, successfully did the surgeries at SPGH.

Each child had varying deformities. Four-year-old Tristan Titus was diagnosed with a bilateral ankle equinus deformity with toe walking; Janeille Williams, aged seven, was diagnosed with bilateral Blaunt’s Disease (a growth disorder causing progressive bowing in both lower legs due to abnormal growth of the shin bone’s tibia); and the youngest, three-year-old Kordelee Barrett, was diagnosed with persistent club foot with failure of conservative care.

The major challenge for these children was the cost of the surgeries and implants required.

“The children were chosen based on the severity of their injuries and the inability for them to access medical care, especially financially,” explained Dr Birch. “Tristan’s surgery was valued at $450,000, Kordelee at $750,000 and Janeille at $1.5 million.”

The surgeries were also an opportunity for Dr Scott to share his expertise with local medical professionals as some of the surgical techniques used are not commonly done within Jamaica. Dr Scott also brought with him the necessary equipment needed, items that were donated to the children and the hospital.

“One of the surgeries, which utilised the Taylor Spatial Frame, represented a first for the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital,” Dr Birch pointed out.

“Dr Scott guided the local team through the intricate process of deformity correction, which was a moment of learning and inspiration for the entire staff. Witnessing a once-deformed limb restored to alignment in real time was nothing short of awe-inspiring,” added Dr Birch.

Kordelee’s mother, Amanda Thompson, expressed gratitude to the team.

“It will give my child a chance to improve her condition and quality of life. It’s a blessing to have access to the surgery that my child needs,” she said.

Thompson explained that life before the surgery was a bit challenging as it was difficult for Kordelee to walk.

“We expect significant improvement. Once we follow up on our visit to therapy and continue working with Dr Birch and the rest of the team I know that things will be brighter,” said the now-optimistic mom. “I would like to deeply express my gratitude to everyone who made this surgery possible; the medical team, donors and supporters. Your generosity and dedication have given my little princess a chance for a brighter future. We’re truly thankful for your kindness and commitment to helping families like ours.”

Treveen Almonte, mother of Janeille, explained that the operation assisted her a great deal as she is a young single mother who was finding it very difficult managing on her own with her daughter.

Post-surgery her family faced another challenge when they lost their roof as a result of Hurricane Melissa, along with most of their personal items, including school books and their bed.

“We are now still living in shared space as we are trying to seek assistance in repairing the roof,” Almonte explained.

Despite this ordeal, she is grateful for the assistance her daughter received. She explained that before the surgery Janeille constantly complained of pain and being teased at school.

“She would come home and cry about how mean children are about her legs and that adults would stare and ask questions which makes her uncomfortable. I believe that after she is healed she will regain her confidence and her quality of life will improve a whole lot without pain and discomfort,” Almonte said.

“To the person who made this all possible I would like to say, ‘A big thank you from the bottom of my heart!’. This opportunity has not only helped my daughter but me as well, knowing I could not have done it on my own. Thank you and may you continue to be blessed,” she added.

After the surgery Rotary members and hospital staff came together to celebrate the children’s resilience. Each patient received a tablet and earphones as gifts, bringing smiles and entertainment to their recovery. An additional surprise saw Spider Man (Dr Birch) paying a special visit to all patients on ward.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the team journeyed the extra mile through horrific scenes and debris to ensure that each patient received the necessary post-surgical care and support, such as casting and dressing change. To date each patient has been progressing as expected with parents and doctors alike eagerly waiting to see the final results when they are all fully healed.

In addition to the surgery, each child is receiving free physiotherapy through the Elaine Bradley Orthotic Foundation. These sessions are conducted by volunteers from the United States of America who have also donated orthotics to each child.

“This initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of many key players,” Dr Birch stated.

“Many thanks to Surgix Jamaica Limited, who graciously donated surgical drills to assist with the procedures. Deep appreciation is also extended to the administrative staff of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital for their efforts, and to Mrs Sherene Wint-Lisle, human resource manager, whose advice helped in ensuring the smooth completion of this project. To the excellent staff at the Elaine Allen-Bradley Paediatric Clinic in Negril, and founder Elaine Allen-Bradley, a well-deserved thank you for your timeless work with these children. Finally, to the hardworking members of the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar, Joan Rosegreen, Audrey Williams-Woolery, Lorna Williams, Dr Kerry-Ann Barrett and everyone who played their roles.”

For Dr Birch, the Paediatric Deformity Correction Initiative is an example of what can be achieved through community partnership, professional dedication, and humanitarian spirit. Plans are in place to do surgeries at least once per year and to hopefully expand their reach to more than just three children each time.

Medical officer in Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital’s Orthopaedic Department Dr Adrian Birch (left) and Dr Darren Fray during surgery.

Dr Darren Fray and Jean Powell, president of Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar.

The surgeries were used as teaching sessions in which the experts transferred knowledge to local medical teams. 

Dr Adrian Birch, medical officer in the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital’s Orthopaedic Department.