Nicaro struggles to reclaim his life - 24-year-old needs help to fight disease

Imagine being unable to swallow, fighting for every ounce of nourishment, and watching your world shrink with every passing day.

This is the heart-wrenching battle of 24-year-old Nicaro Coke, a once vibrant young man whose life has been turned upside down by a relentless illness.

"I never imagined I would be going through something like this. Swallowing is such a simple, everyday thing that we take for granted. I never knew I could lose it, and I never realised how painful life would be without it," Coke shared, reflecting on how his illness has upended his life.

In May 2023, after three months of persistent acid reflux and constant vomiting, Coke was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The illness causes stomach contents to flow back into the oesophagus, often leading to severe complications. By May 2024, the constant reflux had severely damaged his oesophagus -- the canal that moves food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach -- making it impossible for him to swallow food. Over time, his condition worsened, and he became unable to swallow liquids, including his own saliva.

This drastic decline in his health led to a month-long hospitalisation at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. His treatment began with jejunostomy surgery, where an opening was created into his small intestine to allow nutrient intake through a feeding tube. Between June and July, he underwent three endoscopies, enabling doctors to examine his oesophagus. Unfortunately, they were unable to provide a lasting solution.

Coke next underwent oesophageal dilation, a procedure to widen the oesophagus. However, this also failed. In November, he had an esophagectomy, where a portion of his oesophagus was removed, and his stomach was joined to the remaining section. But again, the surgery did not resolve his swallowing issues.

As a last resort, Coke had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure, which involved the insertion of a feeding tube directly into his stomach. Complications arose, including fluid leakage from his stomach. To address this, a line was placed, allowing nutrients to be delivered through a vein near his heart.

Before his diagnosis, Coke worked as a digital and creative content officer in the corporate communication and public relations unit in the Ministry of Justice. On weekends, he enjoyed exploring Jamaica. But now, he spends most days weak and bedridden.

"I used to be adventurous and loved to travel and explore, but now most days I can barely walk, and I depend entirely on my family for help," he added.

Along with his physical decline, Coke, who holds a bachelor of arts in integrated marketing from The University of the West Indies, has lost his independence. He can no longer work, provide for himself, or live the life he once envisioned.

"It's really overwhelming, and most days I feel extremely depressed and lonely," he explained. "I just want to have a normal life again, to work, to travel, and to live without feeling so weak all the time."

To regain some semblance of normality, Coke needs another jejunostomy surgery, followed by a major colon interposition surgery. The estimated cost of these surgeries and related medical expenses is US$15,000 (approximately J$2.3 million). However, before undergoing surgery, Coke must regain a significant amount of weight, as he has lost 70 pounds, down from 175 pounds since his diagnosis.

Financial constraints make recovery even more challenging.

To fund his medical treatments, Coke has launched a GoFundMe campaign (https://gofund.me/02da5d05), and has set a goal of US$7,000 (approximately J$1 millon). So far, $2,476 (approximately J$387,000) has been raised.

"This journey has placed a significant financial burden on my family and me. I simply cannot manage it all on my own," Coke explained.

"The cost of ongoing treatments, nutritional care, and the life-changing surgery I need have quickly added up, and stepping away from work has only made it harder to keep up with these expenses. Some expenses I know beforehand and can plan for, but many just pop up out of the blue," added Coke, appealing for public assistance.

"The wider population's assistance would mean the world to me, not just in covering the financial hurdles, but in giving me the chance to heal and rebuild my life. I would be eternally grateful for their kindness, whether through a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing my story with others. Knowing that people care enough to help during this challenging time would remind me of the strength found in unity and compassion," he said.

Persons can also donate to Nicaro Coke's treatment to his Scotiabank savings account, Mandeville branch, account number: 50195 000662502