Child needs $150 million for bone marrow transplant

Justine Hewitt, 28, is seeking assistance from the public to save her one-year-old son Jaydon Burrell, who was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer in October.

The mother of two, who resides in Rollington Town, Kingston, told THE STAR that it will cost in the region of US$1 million (approximately J$150 million) for a bone marrow transplant operation to be done on baby Jaydon at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida.

"The hospital overseas is suggesting a bone marrow transplant for Jaydon because that is the cure. They took out 85 per cent of the cancer and that is because of where the cancer is. The surgeons said they didn't want to damage Jaydon's spine and that is why they left the 15 per cent. So they started to do the chemotherapy to shrink it down, but after the fourth cycle, they realise that it is not shrinking," Hewitt said.

She said that her son, whom she claims is as strong as any toddler his age, has completed all of his chemotherapy sessions, which began in November and was done every three weeks.

"Most time I have sleepless nights; I am always up reading to find out what can I give him to keep him strong and healthy. I give him the soursop juice, beetroot, broccoli, carrot ... you name it. Sometimes I wonder if those things keep Jaydon strong because he is very strong; after each chemo he just bounces back.

"Jaydon is walking, running, playing, laughing. He is doing everything, sometimes he is unpredictable. The cancer doesn't affect Jaydon in no form of way, so I think now is the time for him to get the operation done because he is young and strong now," she said.

Hewitt, who works at Bellevue Hospital as an attendant, has organised a cake sale for Friday, June 25, to help raise funds to pay Jaydon's hospital bills. The tickets cost $2,000. A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched as part of the fundraising effort. To date, just under US$$4,500 of the US$1 million goal has been donated.

Jaydon is scheduled to leave for Miami on July 12 for the surgery, but this is dependent on whether his mother is able to raise enough money for him to make the trip.

Jaydon's mother, Justine Hewitt, may be contacted via telephone at (876) 287-4777.

Donations may be made via GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/681f50b3