WATCH: 3-y-o with Erb’s palsy departs the island for surgery
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Three-year-old Ayana Wilson and her parents Rosalee Eccles Wilson and Aeon Wilson, departed the island on Tuesday for Philadelphia, United States, where the toddler will undergo a life-changing surgery.
The family along with Stephen and Luke Josephs, co-founders of the Crisis Support Charity and the Burn Foundation of Jamaica, departed the Norman Manley International Airport.
Ayana was born with Erb’s palsy, a condition involving nerve damage affecting the shoulder and arm. Her injury occurred during delivery following shoulder dystocia.
“We’re leaving the island off to Philadelphia and to get the family settled in. We’re going to have some appointments and then come next week, she’ll be doing the long-awaited surgery,” Stephen said.
Ayana will meet with doctors in the US before her long- awaited surgery on November 9.
“It was pretty challenging to raise funds for this trip, but we are forever grateful for the support that we have received from both corporate Jamaica, as well as persons overseas. And of course, the ordinary Jamaicans, they have really supported this mission for baby Ayana to be flown overseas,” Luke said.
The brothers thanked sponsors such as JetBlue, agent flights, corporate Jamaica and members of the diaspora.
“I just want to say that the support doesn’t just stop right here, you know, because as she’s away, she would actually need food, accommodation, transportation as well, to take her to and from her physio check-ups and stuff. So we implore persons to continue to support this mission. They can go on our website at crisissupportcharity.org. They can also give us a call at 376-344-7028. They can also go on our website where they will see our GoFundMe link and actually do a donation,” Luke said.
Ayana’s parents expressed gratitude for the support and said they are hopeful for the best in Ayana’s upcoming surgery.
“We’re feeling very grateful, really appreciative of everything that every help that we have gotten. So many to mention, but it’s a grateful feeling. We really appreciate it,” said Rosalee. “We are hoping for the best with the help of God.”
