Funding Request: $5,475.31 CAD
Critical Need: CNBYA0224
In September 2023, 15-year-old Luis was going to his uncle’s house on a motorcycle, when it collided with a pier that was not marked. He was thrown from the bike and hit a pile of stones on the edge of the road.
At the hospital, he was diagnosed with temporoparietal subdural hematoma (intercranial bleeding) with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain). He needed an emergency operation to survive. With the support of Chalice critical needs donors, Luis underwent surgery and transferred to the ICU in a coma. He awoke after four days, and has recovered remarkably well. In time, he will be able to go back to a healthy life.
Once he was discharged from the hospital, Luis continued with follow-ups at the hospital. For the moment, he must live a sedentary life to protect his fragile skull bone. After the accident, doctors had to remove a part of his skull bone, and now that part is protected only with thin skin. The slow and isolated lifestyle is difficult for the young man and is making him depressed.
A neurosurgeon found that Luis was ready for cranioplasty surgery to reinforce that fragile patch and allow Luis to go back to being a regular, healthy teenager.
Surgery at the public hospital is covered by universal health insurance, but the titanium mesh and screws needed are not. Luis’ grandmother, Rosa, is facing medical expenses of $5,475.31 CAD. Rosa supports Luis and his two brothers with her work as a laundress. She had few resources and struggles to manage Luis' many needs since the accident.
They have been grateful for the tremendous support of Chalice donors, and the solidarity of their community and Luis’ school, who ran collections, fairs, and fundraisers.
The Yapacaní site staff have therefore requested help again, to cover Luis’ titanium mesh and screws.
Please note that any donations that exceed the request will be used to fund other critical need emergencies that may arise.
