by Francine Black, Staff Reporter

Ransford Roper - Contributed

At 16 years old Ransford Roper is like the ordinary teenager. He is active and still learning and developing. However there is one element about Roper that needs to be corrected to guarantee him a healthy life, and that is his bow legs.

The student of St. Jago High School discovered the bone disorder known medically as Genu varum which is often popular in babies. The disorder usually corrects itself as the child grows, but in his case it did not.

"He has it from he was born, but when he reached 11-12 (years old) coming up we find out that it not growing out," Cynthia Hamilton, his mother said.

Roper was diagnosed five years ago and was told that he needed surgery quickly, however his family could not afford it and so had to put it on hold. On a recent visit, his mother said the doctor had agreed to do the surgery as soon as he had completed his examinations so that he may have enough time to recover without interfering with school.

His mother who is a domestic helper said she has no idea how she will find money for this surgery. But thanks to a letter from a student of St. Jago, finding the money may not be as difficult after all.

THE STAR recently made an offer to schools to write in and win a charity concert for a cause of their choice. Several students wrote to the school including a 13-year-old who asked for the concert to raise money for Onieka Taylor, an accident victim who needs help for surgery to her legs, and for Ransford Roper who has serious case of (bow legs).

The last of seven boys and a girl, Roper loves football, but has found it difficult to play because of the disorder. "Mi just love football. Yea I worry sometimes, but other times I just really want to play," he said.

Ransford has been advised by doctors to not exert too much pressure on his leg as this may cause it to fracture.

He says he also appreciates his schoolmates' efforts to help him get money for his surgery. "I feel great. I feel like I have someone looking out for me," he said.

He says he believes having the surgery will greatly improve his life. "Many things that I want to do, I can't because of my legs. So if they are fixed then I will be able to do many things," he said.

In the meantime, Hamilton hopes that her son will pass on the kindness he received from his peers to someone else in need. "I wish him would come help somebody else. Nuh care what, just help somebody like how him did need help and get help," she said.