The cries of newborns bring joy to passers-by from one side of Ward 3 at the De Soysa Hospital for Women while on the other are women heavy with child awaiting the birth of their babies.
In this ward, under the care of Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Athula Kaluarachchi, is 26-year-old K.B.N. Damayanthi from Dippitigala, Lellopitiya in Ratnapura about to deliver her baby through a caesarian operation.
It was her tragic story that we brought to the attention of generous people last week headlined ‘Give them the joy of parenthood’, for she and husband Neil have already buried two sons. The only hope for their third son who has also been diagnosed with Severe Combined Immuno-deficiency (SCID) is a bone marrow transplantation, not available in Sri Lanka but in India at a cost of Rs. 3 million.
So far there have been many donations, from a few hundred rupees to a Rs. 300,000, bringing about a total of Rs. 366,000 at the time of going to press, for which not only the Sunday Times but both Damayanthi and Neil say a heartfelt thank-you.
Firstly, it will be Damayanthi and Neil who will benefit from this Fund. If through the donations, we collect more than the Rs. 3 million needed by Damayanthi and Neil to save their baby, the balance will be channelled to others on the specific recommendation of the team of eminent doctors from the Colombo Medical Faculty.
If you wish to donate:
Time is running out and every cent will count to save this baby.
Please send whatever you can to the bank account set up for this worthy cause by the Sunday Times which has teamed up with the Human Genetics Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Colombo.
Bank – Bank of Ceylon
Branch – Lake House branch
Account No. – 0007283471
Swift Code – BCEYLKLX (for foreign remittances) |
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