Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
At Nisha Ali-Lalla’s home along the Guaracara Tabquite Road, Gasparillo, relatives assembled on Thursday peeling pumpkins and putting in the preparations for a curry-que. It is their third fundraiser in recent weeks aimed at getting urgent medical treatment for Shivanan Lalla.
Lalla, a 38-year-old father of two is currently being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital and according to his wife, within the space of a few weeks, the health of her husband of nine years has taken a major hit.
“He started feeling sick and was told by doctors to get his blood work done and that is when they realised that his platelets were really low. So, they advised him to go to the hospital, as you know dengue is rampant in Trinidad so they were thinking it was on that line. He was there for ten days, monitoring him, doing dengue tests only to realise it wasn’t dengue,” the wife said.
Tests indicated that Shivanan, a heavy equipment operator, was battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm. Ali-Lalla said his current treatment is insufficient.
“The consultant said this is the first time throughout his years practicing that he has seen someone with this type of cancer. With this, the platelets, blood cells, all these things are affected so in order for him to be treated, chemo is not the right treatment for this diagnosis, the treatment is really stem cells transplant or bone marrow transplant,” she explained.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasms and their treatment can have complications. The clinical course of this malignancy is lethal without appropriate treatment. Despite treatment, relapses can occur. Therefore, close clinical monitoring and surveillance are recommended.”
With treatment costing over $600,000 at a hospital in India. An emotional Ali-Lalla said she was determined to help both her and her children’s hero as he has always given selflessly to ensure their well-being.
“Shivanan is very hard working, loving and always puts his family first. He always tries to ensure we have everything and not lack anything we need, we miss him every day,” she cried.
The wife said despite endeavouring to conquer cancer, it can become difficult.
“When we got the diagnosis it was really heartbreaking, my husband doesn’t deserve this, nobody deserves this,” she lamented.
Ali-Lalla has appealed to the public to support her family’s fund-raising events. She also reminded people to appreciate life and love all those around them.
“Please don’t take life for granted, or family for granted, cherish everyone around you all the time.”
Anyone wishing to assist Ali-Lalla and her family in obtaining the funds for Shivanan’s medical treatment can contact her at 395-2467.
Donations can also be made to Republic Bank South Park savings account, number 800 024 186 331.
