JDF hopeful needs surgery

Since he was an infant, Ronaldo Bowers has dreamt of joining the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

However, in February, he found out that this might not be possible after he was diagnosed with scoliosis.

"It has affected my career path. With my disability, I can't really go into that field," Ronaldo, 17, told THE STAR. "From a younger age, I always wanted to be a soldier because I was active in scout club and I fell in love with the discipline."

As a 'Plan B', he is now attending HEART/NSTA Trust, where he is working towards a certificate in electrical installations. But even that is difficult.

"I get to school when I can because I can't stand up for long," he said. Since being diagnosed, Ronaldo has been partially immobile, according to his mother Maxine Bowers.

"The scoliosis affect him terribly. He has severe pain. Only painkillers can help him at the moment, but the doctors says he cannot be living on painkillers for the rest of his life. Right now he can't stand for long. Most of the times he has to lay down," she said.

Ronaldo needs to undergo corrective surgery, but it cost $1.4 million.

"I got some of the money, but I still can't come up with all of it," Bowers told THE STAR. "They said that if he doesn't do the surgery, he will be confined to a wheelchair for life, and I wouldn't want that for my son, so I'm seeking some assistance for him."

Bowever said she still needs about $500,000.

"The surgery is scheduled for next month, but I'm not sure if it will be done because I was told that it can't be done unless all the money is paid," she said.

Bowers, a vendor at the May Pen Market, has been seeking donations from her customers to aid with medical bills.

"Close friends and family have also been supportive, but I still cannot come up with all the money," she said. "Some of the money is to buy the material needed to straighten the bone in his back and for the surgery. He will also have follow-up after the surgery, but I want to focus on the surgery for now."

Ronaldo still has his eyes on the JDF and is hoping he would be accepted after his surgery.

"I'm still going to research and find out if I can get in after the surgery. I hope I do, so I'm just hoping I get help. I'd really appreciate it and be grateful for anything I receive," he said.

- A.D.

Those who wish to assist Ronaldo can contact his mother, Maxine Bowers, at (876) 434-2922.