Giving the gift of sight

Little Ajay McKenzie is a 6 year old student at one of the Sandals Foundation’s Adopted Schools in St. Mary, Jamaica.  He came to the Foundation’s attention during one of our regular trips to the school where it was noted that little Ajay struggled to see and therefore his learning ability was being severely impacted.  His circumstances were investigated and his condition noted, revealing that surgery was necessary to correct his sight.

Through funding from the Sandals Foundation and guests of Sandals Resorts who became aware of Ajay’s plight, the necessary surgery was carried out and his sight restored.    His parents wrote:

March 21, 2010

Dear Sandals Foundation,

Good Samaritans are still around

I would like you to share my story with everyone.

My six years old son Ajay McKenzie had just started Boscobel Primary School in September 2009.   He has been having a vision problem; in late November the principal discovered his short comings and brought it to my attention. Financially we were in no position to get him the medical care he needed; needless to say we were worried and needed help for our son.   The principal called representatives from the Sandals Foundation to advise them of the situation and to seek help.  The school is also adopted by the Sandals Foundation.

Shortly after arrangements were made by Ian Spencer & Lyndsay Isaacs representatives for the Sandals Foundation for my son and I to visit an ophthalmologist, it was diagnosed he needs immediate surgery for cataract in both eyes.  They tried to make plans for our son to do the surgery at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital but the equipment needed was not working.  They arrange another visit to an ophthalmologist and were requested to get a few tests prior to surgery.  When we got the blood test we were advised for the first time that our son had the sickle cell trait, for which we now visit the health clinic for updates.

Arrangements were made for us to visit Dr. McIntosh, ophthalmologist in Linstead.  The surgery was planned for January 18, 2010.  We overnight at the St. Joseph’s Hospital, all medical bills, transportation to Linstead/Kingston and back to Ocho Rios were all paid by the Sandals Foundation and more than ever the representatives were with us all the way for guidance and comfort.

The surgery was a BIG success.  We are happy and grateful to stay a BIG thank-you to the Sandals Foundation, Ian, Lyndsay and the many persons who prayed and wished us well.   Our son Little Ajay is back on tract to maximize his full potential.

Sincerely,

Jannie Keating (Mother)

Hugh McKenzie (Father)

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