Ray of hope for man seeking kidney transplant

Help is on the way for Owen Powis, who lost his job due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and is urgently in need of a kidney transplant operation.

Powis’ story, which was first highlighted in THE STAR on August 4, caught the attention of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Earlier this week, representatives of Jamaica National (JN) Bank presented him with a cheque valued at US$3,000 (approximately J$450,000) to assist with his medical expenses.

REALLY GRATEFUL

“I am really grateful for the support and I want to thank each and everyone who has offered their assistance. On Monday, JN gave me a check and so far, US$5,000 has been donated on the GoFundMe account. I recently dropped off some documents at the hospital, so, hopefully, I will get a surgery date soon,” he said.

Powis, a resident of Spanish

Town, St Catherine, said it was while working in the Cayman Islands last year that he discovered that his health was failing.

He continued working and would travel back and forth to Jamaica for treatment, but this was halted when the COVID pandemic hit local shores in March.

“I am still in need of assistance, but I am also trying my best to help myself. Today I will be hosting a fish fry at Irish Pen Square, so I am asking those who can support me to please do so. I am still doing an online job, but it is not enough to meet the amount that is needed. Again, thanks to everyone that has been supporting me,” he said.

Overall, Powis is seeking US$25,000 (approximately J$3.65 million). Currently, he has to undergo three sessions of dialysis treatment weekly, which cost a combined J$43,500.