1-y-o fire victim could lose leg

Peteroy Harrison, the father of three who lost his home in a fire last month, said he is grateful for the support he has been receiving after his story was shared in last Thursday's STAR.

But he is concerned that Matteo, his one-year-old son, who was injured in the blaze, might lose his leg. Matteo is now a patient at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, the country's only specialist paediatric hospital. Last week he received a blood transfusion following a dip in his blood count. But they received depressing news on the weekend.

"On Saturday, the doctors were telling me some stuff that got me scared. They were saying that there was a possibility that they may have to cut my son left leg under the knee. It is a last option to be amputated, but I had to sign some papers just in case he has to do a surgery. His left leg burn up bad, and I am just praying and keeping my fingers crossed that this will not happen. And I am asking everyone to pray for my son as well. The doctors are doing all that they can," he said.

Harrison was at work when he heard about the fire, and was initially told that his children had perished. However, other than Matteo, they were not hurt. He had left the children in the care of his mother while he headed to work. Despite the news on Matteo, Harrison said they have been receiving assistance.

"A lady from Mandeville meet me and gave me some money, so I am going to use it and buy some blocks. Persons have been reaching out and offering assistance, and I just want to say many thanks. It's like I don't know how to tell THE STAR thanks for sharing my story. As the article post, a lot of people called me," he said.

"There are persons who have reached out to say that they want to send some money, but they want to send it to me directly, so I am trying to get a document from the fire department to take to the bank to get back my account. A lot of people have been reaching out," he added.

Peteroy Harrison is still in need of assistance, and those persons willing to help may contact him at (876) 487 5203.