Aden Persaud, the six-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour months ago, has completed his treatment and has been discharged from the hospital.
In a Facebook update, Non-governmental organisation Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA), said, “Aden was in treatment for approximately five months, facing numerous complications and setbacks, but we are so excited to share that despite all the challenges, Aden has completed his treatment and he is doing exceptionally well. He has been discharged from the hospital in Boston and will be returning to Guyana on Wednesday, August 17.”
Months ago, SHEA had embarked on a fundraiser to assist Persaud with the surgery and treatment- related expenses. In a previous interview with Stabroek News, the child’s mother, Alicia Persaud, explained that he started to experience severe headaches and vomiting in 2019.
As his condition worsened, she said she took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he was evaluated by a neurology team. In June, 2021, Persaud’s diagnosis of a Craniopharyngioma was confirmed following Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
According to the Mayo Clinic website, a Craniopharyngioma is a rare type of brain tumour which is usually formed near the brain’s pituitary gland which secretes hormones that control many body functions. As the tumour grows, it can affect the functioning of the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain, the website added.
The following month, Alicia said a Ventriculoperitoneal shunt – a thin plastic tube that helps drain extra fluid from the brain — was installed and doctors recommended overseas treatment.
Alicia publicly pleaded for help and with the help of SHEA was able to get treatment at a Harvard-affiliated hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was treated by some of the top doctors in the field of neurology, utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
Persaud is expected to join the local neurology clinic where he should have regular follow-up visits to monitor his progress and continue with his recovery, according to SHEA.
“We would like to wish Aden good health, long life, and much success in his future career as the best cricketer to come out of Guyana,” the NGO said in their update.
