Mom needs help to raise sick child

At age five, most children are already settled in preschool and looking forward to starting their primary-level education.

However, this is not the case of Spicy Hill resident Nickel Sutherland, who has not only never set foot in a classroom, but has never walked, talked or even sat up.

Hydrocephalus is a brain condition that happens when cerebrospinal fluid -- the clear, watery fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord -- can't drain from the brain. It then pools, causing a build-up of fluid in the skull.

It can make the heads of babies and young children swell to make room for the excess fluid.

Older children, whose skull bones have matured and fused together, have painful headaches from the increased pressure in the head.

When THE STAR visited the youngster at his Trelawny home, his mother, Deandra Dennis, was trying to offer him some TLC.

UNABLE TO WORK

She stated that she is finding it financially difficult, as she is unable to work because she has to stay home with her son, who depends on her for everything.

"He cannot feed himself and he doesn't know simple instructions or anything. I love him with everything I can, but it's really hard to take care of him. I used to work as a bartender, but I can't do so any more. I have to be around him to watch him, because there are days when he gets episodes of fits. He doesn't eat hard food, so I have to be giving him soft things like feeding and porridge or crush Irish, and so on. I really would want a little help with him," she said.

Dennis said little Nickel has already undergone nine surgeries, but there is very little the doctors can do to improve his condition.

She stated that she had a normal pregnancy and only found out that something was wrong when she did an ultrasound at five months.

She stated that the doctor spoke to her at length about the baby's condition.

"The doctor gave me the option of doing an abortion, but I chose not to do it because I just kept hoping and praying that he was going to turn out normal. The doctors had also told me that there was a slight chance of him living a normal life, so I took the risk of carrying him full term. They also told me that babies born with this condition could also die shortly after birth, or be unable to walk or talk, so I really knew the risks," she said.

The mother said she is seeking the public's assistance in getting a stroller for the infant.

"He had a stroller before but him grow it out. Mi would really want little help with basic stuff for him, like diapers and so on," she said.

Persons wishing to assist Deandra Dennis may contact her at 876-290-9566.