More than $120,000 has been received by the mother of the stricken 12-year-old Kaci Ferguson as contribution to her care.
Up to Friday, September 50, Kaci’s mother Karen Dawkins-Ferguson said she had received $122,000 in an account she had made public for contributions toward the care of the girl. One contributor had donated $25,000 she said.
Kaci Ferguson, a student at Lime Tree Gardens Primary School was seriously injured and left unable to respond following a fatal bus crash on the Llandovery Road, St Ann on Friday morning, May 27. Five people were killed in that crash at Laughlands when a bus said to be defective flipped over and crashed into a small SUV.
People have responded with expressions of love and some have given cash. Mrs Ferguson said she also received four packages of diapers, wipes and two cases of Ensure.
Kaci received treatment first at St Ann’s Bay Hospital and then at University Hospital of the West Indies where portions of her skull were remove to facilitate a swollen brain. She had lacerations all over her body, broken bones, damaged eye sockets and brain injury. Hospital sources suggest she has been stabilized as far as medical authorities can and she is ready to be removed from the hospital.
However there is still no date set when Kaci will leave the hospital for private care to be arranged by her family. Mrs Ferguson told the North Coast Times she was waiting on the next surgery to be done at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Portions of her skull are to be replaced then.
The St Ann’s Bay Hospital has said it will assist with a special needs bed for the girl who is unresponsive and is likely to remain in a vegetative state. The hospital’s care has been praised by Kaci’s family.
(See the next issue of the North Coast Times for details)