With burning aspirations of becoming a mechanical engineer, 21-year-old Patrick Williams is remaining optimistic despite his medical setbacks.
There is much needed help from the public for this Ocho Rios resident, who is employed as a workshop assistant in the electrical department at Steer Town Academy.
Williams is suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), otherwise called kidney failure, which is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. It means both kidneys have failed and he has had to be relying on dialysis through a private institution until he is able to access hemodialysis at a government facility or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
Williams does dialysis treatment twice per week in Ocho Rios at a private facility, with each visit costing $11,000. This means that he has to find at least $88,000 per month. It was recommended that treatment should be three times per week, but he cannot afford that cost.
Williams also revealed in an interview with the North Coast Times that with the addition of transportation cost, the figure stretches to about $96,000.
Williams’ health issues started in 2012, when he developed swelling in his legs. He was subsequently diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and was managed on medications and dietary restrictions, to which he is compliant.
However, he was later told of his kidney failure in March of this year. He explained that he suffered a minor stroke in May and now wears glasses to assist with his vision.
Despite all of this, Williams remains humble, optimistic and hopeful.
A recent comedy show, ‘Johnny and friends’, was staged on June 25 to raise funds in aid of dialysis for Williams. He said that he was very thankful for the initiative and explained that he got money for approximately 22 dialysis treatments from the funds raised from the initiative.
Also, several people, including family members and friends have been assisting him throughout his illness. Williams said that this support helps him to go on despite the situation being what he described as “stressful” at times.
However, Williams still requires more financial help to reduce the pressure of his medical burden. A kidney transplant is ultimately required to aid him further. His two sisters are being looked at as a possible match, but the cost to send samples of their blood to England for testing is $500,000. If a match is found, the kidney transplant surgery and the subsequent treatment of it, according to Williams, cost five million dollars.
Anyone wishing to make donations can do so through (Patrick) Williams’ BNS account, St Ann’s Bay branch, # 931100, or via https://www.youcaring.com/patrickwilliams-817792.
No amount is too small to donate to help in saving Patrick’s life.
