Chloe Ramnarine, a University of the West Indies student, has received 49 per cent of the funds needed for a life-saving bone marrow surgery in Colombia.
After her story was broadcast and published by Guardian Media in the Guardians of the People segment, donations poured in from people all around the world.
By 5 pm yesterday, her GoFundMe page had raised over US$59,000. The surgery, estimated to cost US$120,000, along with travel and accommodation, will total over US$140,000.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Ramnarine expressed gratitude for the support.
“I am so happy and thankful for all the assistance I have received so far,” Ramnarine said.
She noted that the encouragement and contributions have given her hope during her journey. Ramnarine said because of her age she does not qualify for assistance under the Children’s Life Fund and her parents do not have insurance to cover her medical expenses.
Despite the toll of chemotherapy and radiation, Ramnarine remains determined to one day complete her studies.
Her mother, Thillyer Ramnarine, said that local businesses are also assisting.
“Persad The Food King grocery contacted me and offered to donate all the ingredients for our next sweet box sale. Chloe enjoyed hearing from elderly people who were moved by her story and wanted to help in any way they could,” she said.
The GoFundMe contributions have ranged from $10 to $2,000, demonstrating widespread support for Ramnarine’s cause.
Since 2023, she has been fighting stage 2B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a condition affecting the lymphatic system. She was forced to stop her studies in computer science at the University of the West Indies to focus on raising $980,000 TT for surgery at Fundacion Santa Fe Hospital in Colombia.
Donations to Ramnarine can be made to: Republic Bank Mayaro Account #470037149801 or Republic Bank Mayaro USD Account #470037150131.
Ramnarine can also be reached at 490-8119.