Family reaches out for assistance

What if we could predict the future? You know, the power to know beforehand that something bad is about to happen, when it’s going to happen, and what, if anything, can be done to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Sadly, we’re only human and have to deal with the surprises of life, which can sometimes be unpleasant, as they come. Precisely the situation 27-year-old Nicholas Mark and his family find themselves in.

Just last month Nichalas was admitted to Victoria Hospital because of a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in an area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain). His condition quickly took a turn for the worst, and with very few options, and her son’s health rapidly declining, Nicholas’ mother Veronica Small wrote to the ministry of health, informing them about her son’s condition and sending out a plea for assistance.

Like far too many cases, some of which have been reported, her son was unable to receive the required medical treatment on island. Nicholas needed to travel aboard for immediate medical attention, but in addition to financing his treatment, his family was now charged with coming up with funds to transfer him to a hospital overseas.

With time not on their side, Nicholas’ family turned to the Adventist Credit Union for a medical loan, which was granted in the nick of time.

Less than three weeks after he was first admitted to hospital, Nicholas, a Marigot resident, is on the road to recovery. Family members say he is in stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in St Michael, Barbados. His family and friends are now turning to public goodwill to help them deal with mounting expenses, and repay Nicholas’ medical loan.

Friends describe Nicholas as a community activist, which they say was what had led him to become the Chairman of the Marigot Development Committee.

“All who know Randy know that he is very outspoken, enthusiastic and energetic and let’s not forget a perfectionist,” a fellow Committee member, Anthony Louis, told the STAR this week. “He has contributed greatly along with the executive members of the Committee. His number one hobby would be spending time in his home studio, where he was prepared to release a Creole Gospel song in the month of October this year, prior to the incident.”

“Not only is he good with music, he’s also good with his hands,” Louis said, adding that Nicholas owned a barbershop,  ‘The Alley Barber Shop’ and was a natural chef.

“We really want to help out the family because Nicholas is a good guy,” he said. “He’s really into music, he grew up playing the keyboard in church, and at various Gospel events. As time went by, branched off to the rhythm and bass guitar. He attends the La Croix Maingot Seventh-day Adventist church.”

Nicholas’ family is seeking assistance to aid his recovery. Contributions can be made to the Seventh-Day Adventist Credit Union, on the Chaussee, account number 527 or call (758) 722-8226.

A fundraising dance has been organized by the Marigot Development Committee to assist Nicholas and his family. The event will be held on Saturday, October 5 at JJ’s Plaza in Marigot Bay from 8 p.m. Tickets are only $10.