Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
A month after receiving a bone marrow transplant in Colombia, cancer survivor Chloe Ramnarine is preparing to return to T&T. Her mother, Thillyer Ramnarine, said Chloe is expected to leave Colombia at 6 pm today.
However, once she returns home, Chloe will need ongoing treatment with a medication called Brentuximab which costs US$3,000 a month. Brentuximab helps prevent the cancer from coming back by targeting and killing any remaining cancer cells.
Expressing gratitude to the public and God, Ramnarine said: “Chloe is doing really well so the doctor says we can go to Trinidad for six weeks, but we have to come back to do tests and a PET scan up here.”
She said Chloe would have to take the Brentuximab once a month for one year.
“We have to see if we can get Brentuximab in Trinidad. Up here is 3,000 US for it every month if we not getting it in Trinidad. And ticket, and accommodation will be a lot every month.”
She said the family was exploring ways to secure the drug locally.
“So I am asking my niece to see what she can do to help. She will talk to Chloe’s doctor,” Ramnarine said.
Chloe’s bone marrow transplant was completed on May 12 at Fundacion Santa Fe Hospital in Colombia. She remained in the hospital’s ICU until her cells began to grow and her blood count increased and was discharged on May 27.
Ramnarine said the journey has not been easy, but the outpouring of love and support they received in Trinidad and Colombia made the ordeal easier.
Chloe, 23, was diagnosed in 2023 with stage 2B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She had to pause her studies in computer science at the University of the West Indies to raise $980,000 for the transplant.
Anyone wanting to contribute to Chole’s post-transplant care can make donations to Republic Bank Mayaro Account #470037149801 or Republic Bank Mayaro USD Account #470037150131.
Ramnarine can also be reached at 490-8119.
