The fundraising goal for 20-year-old Azaar Mitchell’s pacemaker surgery has been surpassed, and no further financial contributions are needed.
The EC$94,000 that has been raised will now go towards securing the medical equipment and covering the young man’s operation and recovery expenses.
Jamaican-born Mitchell, who has lived in Montserrat since 2019, has suffered from a painful and debilitating heart condition for several years.
Last September, in a sudden medical emergency, his heart stopped, leaving him unresponsive and hospitalised for two weeks,
He was advised to go to Jamaica for further testing where doctors confirmed that he urgently needed a pacemaker.
The total cost for the device and associated medical expenses was estimated at about $91,407 – a significant burden for the family.
In December, Mitchell’s stepmother, Shimmoya Latty-Mitchell, appealed on ZJB Radio to the community for help.
Fundraising success
The community came together through making financial contributions, organising fundraising events, and offering administrative support.
On Monday, 13 February, Pastor Toney Allen of Faith Tabernacle Pentecostal Church told ZJB Radio that the fundraising total had been reached an surpassed.
“Folks were diligent. We’ve gotten assistance from North America, England and persons, of course, right in Montserrat and further afield. We’re delighted,” he said.
Allen said that a “real sizeable donation” was also received from someone who wished to remain anonymous.
“We are truly delighted that our brother can be on the way to really receive such life-saving equipment and have the operations done,” he said, adding his thanks to all that contributed.
Latty-Mitchell told Montserrat Focus that her family is “extremely grateful for everyone who gave us their support” whether through donations, encouragement or prayers.
She added that Mitchell’s pacemaker has been ordered, and a surgery date will be scheduled upon its arrival.
