Lloyd Barrett seeks kidney donor, help with medical bill

Lloyd Barrett admits that prior to suffering the debilitating stroke which changed his life more than a decade ago, there were some warning signs which he did not recognise, and so he ignored them.

He admits to being always hypertensive and suffering from severe shortness of breath for a couple of years, long before that life-changing experience on February 10, 2012.

“I just ignored it, not knowing that it would affect me in the long run,” he told The Gleaner.

Barrett recalled that at about midday, he had started experiencing an excruciating pain in his head and realised he needed medical attention. He called his supervisor to notify him that he was heading for the nearby University Hospital of the West Indies; however, things changed for the worse in the blink of an eye.

“I called to tell him that I had to go to the hospital because I was not feeling well. I worked on Hope Road, not far from the hospital, so I planned to drive myself, but as I was talking, I realised that I could not drive because of the severe discomfort I was feeling,” he said.

Even though he was racked by pain, Barrett had the presence of mind to realise that suddenly he was not in control of his body. He told his supervisor that he needed someone to drive him to the hospital.

By the time help arrived, he had lost all feeling in the left side of his body, could not control his movements, and fell to the ground. He, however, remained conscious all the way to the hospital and through most of the admission process.

It was touch and go for the more than 50 days that Barrett was in a coma, and a hellish nightmare for his immediate family members.

Eleven years later, with many of his dreams deferred and aspirations not realised, Barrett is grateful to be alive, despite the many difficulties.

He admitted that although he feels frustrated at times, he no longer gets angry.

“Nothing bothers me anymore. I don't argue with people. I try to take life easy. Nothing worries me nowadays,” he told The Gleaner.

He still harbours some concern about the emotional, physical, and the financial toll which caring for him daily has taken on his 87-year-old mother, Cynthia Barrett, as he tries to raise funds for a much-needed kidney transplant.

He expressed gratitude to those who have contributed in cash and kind since his story was first carried in the November 9, 2021 publication of The Gleaner.

Since then, there have been a few setbacks, including a one-week hospitalisation because of complications arising from the insertion of a stent in his leg. This has since being corrected and Barrett is looking to get back on track with his life. However, he is again appealing for assistance to cover the US$40,000 cost for a kidney transplant at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

“I am also seeking a kidney donor with B-positive blood type below the age of 65. And I just want to assure any potential donor that making the life-saving donation of one of their kidneys will not compromise their quality of life. I know it is asking a lot, but you can make that difference,” he appealed.

christopher.serju@gleanerjm.com

How you can help

If you would like to assist Lloyd Barrett, either by donating a kidney or contributing to the cost of the surgery, his NCB saving account number is 104030149. You may also support his GoFundMe campaign at https://gf.me/u/yh475j or contact him at 876-344-6855.