While many Jamaicans were out on May 23, 2012 with tools in hand to carry out their Labour Day project, the Bamboo District of Seventh-day Adventist Churches and the Brittonville community chose to walk to help save the life of a twelve year-old boy.
Rayon Robb was born with one kidney and it is infected; furthermore, he is diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease.
Rayon Robb gives his mother Arlene a hug.
Arlene Watson says, “My son was nine years old when I found out exactly what the problem was. He was crying for this terrible pain to his side and at first the doctors thought it was appendicitis. But after doing some more tests the doctors were surprised that he was born with only one kidney. To make matters worse, he was also diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease.”
The single mother of three explained that all her finances have been depleted due to medical expenses and travel to Kingston.
“Each year he has to get a renal scan which is done to measure the function of the kidney. This procedure alone costs eighteen thousand dollars. Also, every twenty eight days Rayon has to get an injection for the heart and the doctor said that currently one of the valves needs replacement,” added Watson.
But as for surgery Arlene says, “I was told that a doctor will be coming into the island to see his case and then we will take it from there.”
Members of the Brittonville Community Club poses with signs 'Walk for Rayon' before venturing out on their walk-a-thon.
The Brittonville Community Club was made aware of Rayon’s financial plight and decided to help.
“When Rayon’s situation came to our attention we knew that something had to be done, so the first step was today’s walk-a-thon,” said Mrs. Adda Webb, Community Services Director for the Brittonville Adventist Church and president of the Brittonville Community Club.
“From today’s effort we raised thirty thousand dollars; this will help Ms. Watson to cover some of her immediate expenses. However, we know that the medical bill will be escalating soon based on the number of procedures Rayon will have to go through. As time progresses, it is our hope that more funds will come in and our efforts will be supported to help save this little boy’s life,” said Mrs. Webb.
“Looking at Rayon he seems quite normal. He participates in his Sabbath school classes and on some good days - when he attends school which is the Bamboo Primary and Junior High - he enjoys a game of cricket and football. Sometimes his activities are cut short due to his illness,” his mother explained.
While Rayon bravely faces life, this active boy has his eyes set on being a soldier.
“I would really love to grow up and serve in the army. I want to protect my community and country in gratitude for what they are doing for me today,” Rayon said shyly.
Mrs. Delia Webb-Minott, public relations officer of the Brittonville Community Club gave her share of thanks to those who contributed to the worthy venture, “I must thank the Delaphena Funeral Parlour in Brown’s Town; Dr. Stewart Mckoy in Claremont; Councillor for the Claremont Division, Lambert Weir; Golden Optimist of Lydford; Northern Agri Hardware in Claremont; The North Jamaica Chapter of the Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi); pastors and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; Mrs. Carol Wilson and the McKay’s formerly of Geddes Great House.
For information on how to help Rayon Robb, please contact Kirkwood Parkinson the pastor of the Bamboo District of Churches, at 430-1439 (digicel).
Story and pictures by Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher
