Dad seeks help for daughter with scoliosis

Seventeen-year-old Ashlique Williams appeared to be living a normal and healthy life until 2020 when her father Troy Williams noticed a change in her body shape.

Her father recalls being startled when he noticed that her back appeared to be twisted.

"It was in the midst of COVID-19 when we were all at home. Before she appeared normal, or I don't know if we just hadn't noticed, but one day she came out of her room and I asked her mother how she looked like that. Ashlique's body was twisted," Troy said.

Williams said when he asked his daughter how long it had been like that, she told him that she had been experiencing some discomfort in her back and leg for some time.

Medical checks revealed that the teenager is suffering from scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine.

Ashlique's father told THE WEEKEND STAR that she is scheduled to do corrective surgery at the Kingston Public Hospital. However, despite the existence of a no-user fee policy in public health facilities, the family will have to come up with around $2 million to facilitate the surgery. Williams said the money is needed to buy the screws, pins and rods that are required for the operation.

"The twist in her body is getting worse and she feels pain on and off. I just want her to get normal, but the surgery cost a whole lot and we really don't have the money," Williams said.

"We are reaching out to the public for assistance and will be very appreciative of any donation that we will receive," he added.

When asked how she is coping at the moment, Ashlique described her feelings "akin to one of burden and discomfort".

"[There is] discomfort seeing as it is rather uncomfortable for me to sit or lay down in certain positions, and burden as the fact that my condition, as it worsens, makes it harder for me to pursue my education and find a job that suits my condition," she said.

Ashlique resides in Sligoville, St Catherine, and attends Excelsior Community College. She has her sights set on a career in culinary arts.

"She is doing catering at school now, and I know that she can reach very far. She is the first of my two children, and she is a brilliant and beautiful girl. I just want her to be happy and healthy," Williams said.

Persons wishing to assist Ashlique Williams may make donations to Troy Williams' savings account at the National Commercial Bank, Spanish Town branch. Account # 474336964.