Help Zoey get well by getting to Miami, USA

Zoey is 11 years old and a happy and fun-loving child. But since March 2022, she has had multiple hospitalizations, urgent care visits, doctor visits, and medication due to intense stomach pain and vomiting.

Her gastrointestinal doctor in Barbados is unable to make a diagnosis because, in Barbados, we do not have a pediatric gastroenterologist or pediatric endoscopic equipment to see inside her stomach. She needs to travel to the USA to be tested and treated accordingly.

This was an important year for her, taking the 11+ exam, and unfortunately, she missed a lot of school each time she was sick. We want her to be a healthy child again but don’t have the finances to get her to a hospital where she can get all the tests that she needs.

Timeline of her sickness:

The first incident occurred in March 2022. Zoey had what we thought was a stomach bug. We quickly took her to Sandy Crest for treatment because no food or drink was staying down, and the cramps were coming fast and intense. It all settled once she was given Gravol and other medications via IV. We were all relieved that by the next day, Zoey was all back to normal.

The second flare-up was in July of that same year. She caught COVID, and after recovering quickly, she had another severe stomach cramps and vomiting once again. We all figured maybe it was the after-effects of COVID and once again rushed her off to Sandy Crest for the same treatment as last time. The next day, Zoey was back to normal again.

The third time it happened was in December 2022. We took Zoey out to dinner, and when we returned home, she kept saying "Mummy, my stomach hurts". Zoey started vomiting again with severe stomach pains. Once again, we quickly rushed her off to Sandy Crest for her usual assessment and treatment by the doctors there. The next day, Zoey was not back to her normal self like previous times. She complained of the pain in her tummy, and once again, off we went, but this time to Urgent Care. She was given Nexium, Gravol, and Baralgin, which seemed to help, and they also did an ultrasound, which looked normal. That night, the pain was so severe that Zoey could not walk, talk, or even sit up. We requested Urgent Care to make a house call at our home and she was then admitted to QEH. They gave her the usual treatment, which seemed to settle her stomach. All the doctors thought maybe this was just bad reflux. Since then, she has not been eating greasy foods, spicy foods, or anything to eat after 6 p.m., just healthy foods.

The fourth time in March 2023, and she was taken as usual to Urgent Care and treated as per usual.

The fifth time was July 19, 2023. This time we rushed her to Urgent Care after she said, “Mummy, I can’t sit; my tummy hurts". At Urgent Care, her pain was worse than ever before. The usual medications were administered via IV, but unfortunately, they did not ease the pain, and the vomiting continued. Zoey started choking on her vomit; at this point, the doctors advised that she needed to be admitted to QEH. They also said she needs a pediatric gastroenterologist, and there are none on the island. We were advised by her pediatrician that it’s best for her to travel to Miami to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to have an endoscope done so we can get a clear picture of what's going on in her stomach and get a diagnosis and treatment plan. She has been going through this issue for the last year and a half. The funds will be used for plane tickets, pediatric gastroenterologist consultation fees, the cost of tests and treatment required, accommodation, etc.

Zo's condition has greatly impacted her daily life, causing her immense discomfort, and hindering her ability to participate in regular activities. Despite seeking medical help locally, her condition remains undiagnosed, leaving her and her family desperate for answers. The funds raised will not only cover the necessary medical expenses but also provide Zo with a chance to regain her health and enjoy a childhood free from constant pain and uncertainty.

Thanking you in advance for your help in raising the funds we need to get her to Miami for tests, a diagnosis and a treatment plan to give Zo back a somewhat normal childhood.