Scoliosis derailing Oshane’s sporting dreams

Fourteen-year-old Papine High student Oshane Campbell had high hopes of participating in the upcoming Penn Relays alongside his twin sister Osheema, but unfortunately for the teenager, his dreams are now on hold as he battles a severe case of scoliosis.

Instead of going to the football training camp in Miami later this year, which he was looking forward to, he is now hoping that the public will come to the assistance of his mother, Julia Edwards-Morgan, who is seeking to raise the approximately J$2 million that he needs to do the much-needed corrective surgery.

"He is to do a full spine surgery at UHWI (the University Hospital of the West Indies), where he needs 22 screw rods, a nerve monitor and other things," said Edwards-Morgan. "I went to check out the price of the prescription and everything comes up to almost $1.8 million."

"He is supposed to do the surgery in this month. I am pleading with my fellow Jamaicans and other persons in the world, please to help my son to get this surgery done [so he can] live his dream," she added.

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescence stage of life. While scoliosis can occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is not known.

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling, especially since serious spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

Edwards-Morgan said her son, who wants to become a professional track athlete and footballer, was living a healthy life and was excelling at sports like her other two children. But in 2022, she noticed that his body appeared twisted and sought medical attention.

"He was crying for pain and that's when I took him to the doctor and it was explained to me that he has severe scoliosis," explained Edwards-Morgan. "I asked her what it was, and she told me and said that he needs urgent corrective surgery."

Wearing a sad expression as his mother explained his medical situation, Oshane told THE STAR that currently, he is unable to participate in any sporting activities, adding that he is in constant pain, which is more severe at nights.

"I used to play volleyball as well and I have to jump in the air and hit the ball, but when I land back on my feet, I would feel a sharp pain in my back and side. At nights, it is very hard to sleep because I feel a lot of pain," said Oshane.

"I can't show my full potential as it relates to sports because if I train too hard, my back will start hurting me a lot. I went to GC Foster [College] recently for a meet and I collapsed and passed out, so the doctor told my mother that I should pause training and sports for now," he added.

Persons wishing to assist Oshane Morgan may contact his mother at 876-440-2451 or 876-498-4373. Donations may also be made via his JN savings account 2094722428, Duke Street branch.