Her dream is to be a nurse but tonight University of Belize student Alashika Sterling is the one who needs a nurse. Truth is, the 22 year old needs more than a nurse, she needs a medical miracle. Here is her story.
Alashika Sterling, Needs Kidney
"I'm young and I really want something in life. I am a student nurse at the University of Belize and I want to take care of people, I don't want to be the patient in the hospital. I want to get out there and take care of people so please help me."
Unfortunately, right now 22-year-old Alashika Sterling doesn't have a choice. She is in a fight to save her life. She was born with only one kidney which has now failed, leaving her with none. Her doctor says her options are limited.
Dr. Saidu Saad Ishaq, KHMH
"Her kidneys are not working now. Initially she was born with a kidney problem and this kidney has given up so it's not functioning now. The prognosis of this patient without a transplant is not good. We don't have much time for her to kill because if we're doing the dialysis that will keep her for some time but we would really prefer if she has the kidney transplant for her to survive."
Alashika's older brother has already agreed to give her one of his kidneys but the transplant surgery cannot be performed in Belize and more importantly, it will cost thousands of dollars.
Marybel Flowers, Mother
"I am jus asking for help because they say she needs a transplant kidney and I understand, by going around and finding around, that at Mexico its cheaper to do it because you have people who already did it and it cost around a $100,000 or more and that is what I need to get. I don't have that kind of money."
Keith Swift,
And your son has agreed to donate his kidney?
Marybel Flowers,
"Yes he has already agreed to give up one of his kidneys to save his sister's life because if she doesn't get that transplant, she probably won't live." [Sobbing.]
Alashika is hospitalized at the KHMH and anyone who can help at contact the family at phone numbers 207-4523 or 607-4896. They have opened an account at Scotia Bank and the number is 910-1700.
In a bit of good news, Alashika is being helped by Godfrey Sosa. You may remember him as the kidney patient who made an appeal for help right here on 7NEWS. He has since successfully completed his transplant surgery in Mexico and is now back in Belize.
