The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) continues its humanitarian work in the
community by coming to the assistance of individuals who need expert medical
care not available in Antigua and whose families do not have the means to pay for
the care.
The latest benefactor of the CAF’s generosity is accident survivor, Chevan Jones,
whose mother is breathing a sigh of relief that her son will get an opportunity to
have his mobility restored, after being airlifted on Monday, May 29 th , to the
Dominican Republic (DR) for orthopedic surgery. The US$39,000 flight was
funded by the Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF).
Jones is the 21-year-old survivor of the tragic vehicular accident on All Saints
Road, which took the life of an 18-year-old. Jones was rushed to the Sir Lester
Bird Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a right acetabular fracture and
a nasal bone fracture. He was referred to an orthopedic surgeon in the DR, to
perform an open reduction and internal fixation of the right acetabular fracture.
The family’s donation request letter to the Foundation stated that the cost of travel
via air ambulance, in addition to the cost of surgery and recovery, was too
astronomical for Chevan’s family.
Jamilla Kirwan
Media Relations Specialist for CAF, Jamilla Kirwan, said, the Foundation is happy
to have played a role in getting Jones to the Dominican Republic in time for his
surgery, which was scheduled for Wednesday, May 31 st . For this, she also credits
the swift action of Reva Air Ambulance representative on the island, Sandy Bahri,
for coordinating the trip in quick time.
She also added that the initial call for assistance was made on behalf of Jones’
father, by Senator Samantha Marshall. Kirwan then reached out to his mother,
Alverine Bailey who was able to submit a donation request letter, as well as all
Chevan’s requisite medical documents, which made the process of coordinating the
flight even easier.
Meanwhile, Kirwan said she has been receiving updates on 7-year-old burn victim,
T’rique Jeffery, who is also receiving treatment in the Dominican Republic at a
burn center, and whose medical airlift was also funded by CAF. According to a
medical source on the ground, T’rique has since had five surgeries, however, this is
not a one-day fight. There is still some way to go.
Kirwan extends continued prayers to Chevan Jones and T’rique Jeffery and their
families during this challenging time, on behalf of the Calvin Ayre Foundation and
Ambassador Calvin Ayre.
