BRAVE BABY ZAHIR to be laid to rest Sunday
Baby Zahir, who valiantly battled kidney disease for 11 months, will be laid to rest on Sunday in Bannister, Old Harbour, St Catherine.
Born to Annette Tobias and Lorenzo Williams on January 13, 2023, Zahir’s journey was marked by resilience and challenges. He passed away on November 23, after facing hydronephrosis, a condition characterised by the swelling or enlargement of one or both kidneys due to the build-up of urine inside the organ.
Zahir’s twin brother, Amir, also faced health struggles and passed away two days after birth. Zahir’s initial diagnosis indicated that he was born with only one kidney, but his mother said it has since been confirmed he had two.
Zahir experienced multiple hospital admissions, requiring prolonged inpatient stays. His parents attempted to get a kidney transplant for him overseas, after Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, accepted to assist Zahir upon payment. The hospital stated that the admission would have been more than US$500,000, which approximately
$77 million. An attempt to raise money to fund his treatment via GoFundMe yielded US$1,650.
Zahir did not get to go abroad for treatment as his parents hoped.
“He didn’t get to go to Jackson Memorial Hospital. They sent me an email to say that my insurance only provide coverage in California is so I should look for hospital there,” Tobias said.
Amid their heart-breaking journey, Tobias shared “The only financial constraint we experienced throughout my sweet sweet baby Zahir life was to take him overseas, other than that he was always provided for. God provided for Zahir in ways cannot explain.”
The mother found solace in faith, expressing, “We cry when we miss him, but we know we will see him again.” She emphasised that while Zahir didn’t receive physical healing, spiritual strength was granted.
Williams said his son was well loved and that his passing
has left his family members emotionally torn.
“My love for my son was more than how I love myself, and it is the same for his mom,” he said.
“Zahir was everything to us ... life has not and will never be the same
for us. We love him unconditionally, and I spent all the time I could with him. Zahir was loved by everyone,” the emotional father said.
“Every time someone saw him they would say him look just like his dad, and I cry. Most days I still can’t believe he’s not here with us any more . ... Words can’t explain, but I love my son with everything that I got,” the dad said.