News

New angel face

By KAVELLE ANGLIN-CHRISTIE, Staff Reporter

kavelle christie photos - (From left), Dwight Harvey's facial disfiguration before the operation and after his surgery two weeks ago.

SINCE DWIGHT HARVEY first appeared in THE STAR on December 3, 2004, things have finally started to look up.

Harvey lives with his family in Angel Heights, St. Catherine. The fact that he lives in Angel Heights, St. Catherine prompted THE STAR's first headline 'Face of an Angel' when Harvey's story first appeared in THE WEEKEND STAR.

Today we report again how the compassion of at least one Jamaican doctor using local facilities has helped to change the face of Dwight Harvey's life. Three weeks ago, Harvey did surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies, and is extremely happy about it. He told THE STAR that although he is excited about his new face, he is equally pleased to be out of the hospital.

"I just wanted to come out. Nothing not in there to do, but just sit down and look," Dwight said.

Another operation

His mother, Jennis Harvey, says most of the skin was removed in the surgery, but he will have another operation at the end of the year.

She told THE STAR, however, that her son, after the surgery has vision in his right eye, which he did not have before because his eye had been covered by skin.

Jennis, however, says the doctor did not charge for the surgery ­ the hospital bill came to more than $100, 000.

According to Dr. Guyan Arscott, the plastic surgeon, who performed the operation, Dwight's condition is "a long term problem and it is far from over as he still has a long way to go."

He was unsure what they would do for the next surgery. "This is not an ABC surgery. We have to allow the swelling to go down and then we will decide as it gets better. For now he is still recovering from first surgery," said Dr. Arscott.

He added that the procedure was done for free as Dwight was a public patient.

The cost attached to the surgery has come because of the hospital expenses. The hospital says the family will be given time to pay for the operation, but Jennis says she does not have a steady job, and the family's source of income comes from selling (gas) cylinders. Dwight occasionally cuts grass and fixes bicycles.

Those wishing to assist Dwight may do so by making contributions to the account number 810627, at Scotia Bank's Young Street branch, Spanish Town; or contact Dwight's mother, Jennis Harvey at 817-8051.